Diamond to perform on SD float at Macy's parade

RAPID CITY — Singer and songwriter Neil Diamond is to perform on South Dakota's float in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

Diamond is known for his songs that have become anthems at ballparks and bars. The Grammy award winner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year and is among the artists to be honored next month at the Kennedy Center Honors.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism's "Mount Rushmore's American Pride" float will feature Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park in an effort to drive more visitors to the state.

KOTA-TV reports ( http://bit.ly/s9jV9D) that the float is only the second state float to be accepted into the famous parade.