Our View:  Annual Fireworks Show Needs Your Support
July 14, 2008

Tom Richardson calls it his "labor of love"."
And considering that since he took over leading the St. Cloud American Legion Post 76's annual Fourth of July Fireworks show in 2003, there is no doubt he loves his labor. A Lot!

Initially faced with the loss of public funding for the show, in less than five years he has rallied Community-wide support to push the show to new heights. Witness this year's show. Again.

That said, did you know Richardson, while born and raised in St. Cloud, lives and works in the Twin Cities? (his father, Ed, helped Post 76 do the show for more than 40 years. Ed died in 2005.)  Or the handful of hardest-working volunteers for this year's show were not even St. Cloud Residents?

Or that despite expanded fundraising and revenue-generating efforts, this year's show will likely just break even?

Perhaps most importantly, though, do you realize Post 76, the sponsor of the show for 61 years, is selling its property on Lincoln Avenue, and plans are unclear if it will even have a new home. Not to mention that like so many Veterans Organizations, its aging membership is understandably becoming less able to help with such a large-scale event.

We raise these points for a very simple reason. Now is an opportune time to look for another a local service club or nonprofit to lead the fireworks effort.

Please, please, please! Do not take that as call for Richardson to go. to the contrary! He must stay involved. His efforts, enthusiasm, connections and charisma are vital. Indeed, that's why the Fireworks Fund at the Central Minnesota Community Foundation now sits at about $80,000 after last week's pyrotechnics show.

But considering Richardson is based in the Twin Cities, Post 76 is in a time of huge change, and leading an event of this caliber demands massive and ongoing time and resource commitments, two things become inordinately clear:

Richardson and Post 76 have been blessings.

A Community with St. Cloud's resources, pride and sense of Community Service should recognize that and step in.

so what should happen?

The good news is that Richardson has built a strong base. A service club or nonprofit entity should be able to step up with relative ease (and guidance from Richardson). In addition, several local businesses - including Times Media - already provide in-kind help, and the recent addition of Freedom Fest remains an intriguing way to perhaps boost financial support and community involvement.

Richardson will be the first to tell you the biggest challenges, though, are the constant fundraising, need for a dozen people working year-round on details, and an annual big demand for logistical support in the 30 days before the show. Perhaps a local service club with robust membership and strong community connections could complement Richardson's efforts and ultimately fill these needs annually.

Overall, Richardson and Post 76 have done more than their fair share in creating and maintaining this stellar event.

Considering that and all the other factors, perhaps it's time to let them sit back and say "oooooh" and "ahhhhhh" instead of making sure everyone else does on the Fourth of July.

Krebs Column: Don't like the show? Get involved

By Randy Krebs • Times Opinion Editor • July 13, 2008

I had an experience right after the St. Cloud American Legion Post 76's Fourth of July Fireworks Show that made me want to:

 

a. Scream.

b. Blurt out, "What exactly did you contribute?"

c. Revisit the truth in "Some people's kids."

d. Recognize again the importance of getting involved in your Community.

You can pick your answer after reading this.

After viewing the Fireworks from the new Sauk Rapids Bridge, my family was walking back to our van when we overheard a teenager say to his (I assume) parents that the show was horrible, that he was not impressed and that, well, everything about the show was lame.

First, realize that I am far from objective on this issue. Thanks to my role with the Times Editorial Board, I've been privileged - yes, privileged - to learn about all the efforts that go in to putting on this show.

Let me tell you those efforts, no matter how you measure them, are huge. a few examples:

There are the endless hours Fireworks Commissioner Tom Richardson puts in on a yearlong basis. Don't forget: Richardson isn't even a St. cloud Resident. He was raised here and still has some family ties, but he's based in the Twin Cities. Still, he's made it a priority since his father died in 2003 to not just keep the Post 76 show going, but raise it to new heights - all with private dollars. (His father, Ed, led Post 76's Fireworks efforts for about 40 years.)

Supporting Tom Richardson are similar donations of time by a handful of his most-trusted and capable volunteers.

Adding to that are the many, many meetings involving countless Public-Safety Officials and, oh yes, the hours of help and guidance provided by dozens of other Public Employees.

And, of course, there are scores of donations of time and treasure from many local organizations and businesses.

Finally, there are the heartfelt efforts from everyday residents, whether in the form of $10 donations or an hour of volunteer time helping set up or tear down equipment for the show and accompanying Freedom Fest.

With that mind-set and bolstered by the fact that I had gotten up early to help set up show equipment from 7-9 a.m. July 4, I took in what I thought to be another very good show.

Was it the be-all, end-all of Fireworks displays? No. But it was pretty darn good - and easy to see why it's the second-biggest Independence Day show in Minnesota.

My family and I were reflecting on that until we overheard this teenager's opinion.

My spouse and eldest son immediately moved to stop me from wrapping my hands around the kid's neck and squeezing. But knowing I didn't want to be front-page news the next day, I turned to them and simply said: "Gee, do you think we should ask that young man what exactly he donated to make sure this year's show went off?"

So what's your answer?

This is the opinion of Randy Krebs, St. cloud Times Opinion Page Editor. He can be reached at 255-8762 and rkrebs@stcloudtimes.com.

Our View: Yeas go to Locals for Fireworks

Times Editorial Board • July 12, 2008

Some final Fourth of July Yeas to all the people, organizations and businesses for making donations of time and treasure that helped make the 61st Annual American Legion Post 76 Fireworks display an ooooohhhh-so-inspiring event.

In sponsoring the show, Time Media learned of some phenomenal volunteer efforts. Some volunteers spread the work across days and weeks preceding July Fourth, while others went literally around the clock on the day of the show. They include:

Wanda and Terry Schroeder. Wanda's efforts since 2007 have been especially helpful.

Ryan Richardson

Deb, Sue and Ryan kowalski

Scott Nordstrom

Hester Park and Northeast neighborhood groups and especially residents near Rau Field

Brad Veenstra

St. Cloud Chapter of the Minnesota Civil Air Patrol

Boy Scout Troop 13

Cathedral High School and its Football Booster Club

Minnesota National Guard

All the Public-Safety Staffers who planned and oversaw vehicle and pedestrian traffic near Hester Park and St. Cloud Hospital.

Please note this is a sampling of the volunteer efforts put forth for the show and Freedom Fest. Each and every contribution helped make this year's events among the best in the State and even the Upper Midwest.

Our View: Donate to Fireworks Show

Times Editorial Board • April 26, 2008

Yeas to the 15 businesses and organizations listed below that, combined, plan to donate $42,000 to the 61st annual St. Cloud American Legion Post 76's Fourth of July Fireworks show.

they are Anderson Trucking Service, C&L Distributing/Budweiser, Coborns Inc., ING Direct USA, Liberty Savings Bank, Xcel Energy, Gannett Foundation, Mathew Hall Lumber, Bernick's Vending and Beverages, Bremer Bank, Famous Dave's, Skalicky Foundation, Melrose Pyrotechnics Inc., Leighton Broadcasting and Marco.

But wait, there's more.

With areawide fundraising efforts set to begin Monday, these pledgers and Post 76 are issuing a challenge to all Central Minnesota businesses, organizations and individuals.

They ask you to contribute, with the goal of matching or exceeding their combined efforts.

Not only will that make this year's show awesome again, but it will build toward the ultimate goal of an endowed fireworks fund.

Contributions can go to the American Legion Fireworks Fund, Central Minnesota Community Foundation, 101 Seventh Ave. S, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

Tom Richardson, volunteer Fireworks Commissioner, also notes that several departments for the City of St. Cloud are lending their support, which is especially important because the closure of the Desoto Bridge will mean some logistical changes to July 4th Freedom Fest events, which are held leading up to the 10 p.m. show.

In addition, volunteers are still needed July 3-5 to help with setup, during events and cleanup.

These are great opportunities for individuals and groups or organizations. Visit http://www.stcloudlegion76fireworks.com/.

Times Media is a sponsor of these events.

Our view: Do your part now for 4th of July show
Times Editorial Board

It's hard to believe, especially when you look at the ice on the Mississippi and the snow-covered, well, everything, but 100 nights from today, Central Minnesota will be "oohing" and "aaaahhhhing" at the 61st annual St. Cloud American Legion Post 76's Fourth of July fireworks show.

That's right. For more than a quarter of the time the United States has been alive, Legion Post 76 has been celebrating the nation's birthday by lighting up city skies. Fireworks coordinator Tom Richardson announced Monday plans to do so again this year, along with holding the second annual Freedom Fest.

As a reminder, Freedom Fest is a daylong celebration in downtown aimed at honoring America's military. Last year's debut included activities for all ages, food, drinks, exhibits, a program and musical entertainment.

In the interest of full disclosure, Times Media is a media sponsor of these efforts again this year.

While Post 76 and Richardson certainly are the driving forces behind one of the best Independence Day fireworks shows statewide, their efforts would not be possible without your help.

Since 2003, when budget challenges spurred the city of St. Cloud to drop its financial support, Post 76's show has relied completely on private donations. Thankfully, many local businesses and countless area residents have stepped up and contributed to keep the show not just alive, but growing.

Richardson deserves the bulk of the credit for that. His father, Ed, led Post 76 fireworks efforts for 40 years until his death in 2005. Since Tom took over, the show has only gotten bigger and better, thanks both to his dedication and support from the community. In fact, the past two years have featured fireworks shot from barges in the Mississippi between Hester and Wilson Parks. Upward of 50,000 people are estimated to have seen those shows.

To keep that going, Richardson and Post 76 continue to seek help. One idea being discussed this year is a "buy a boom" or "sell a shell" campaign, Richardson said. Similarly, Freedom Fest could help generate funding, too.

Details on both are being worked out. The long-term goal, though, is not just to raise the money needed to launch another fabulous show 100 nights from now, but to build the fireworks fund from its current amount of about $80,000 to an endowment level that would pay for shows every year.

Granted, today it might be a little hard to envision all that Fourth of July fire considering there is so much ice still hanging around. But every Central Minnesotan knows (or hopes?) the weather will change substantially in the next 100 days, so we ask you to do your part now to make sure the city's skies are again alive with color the night of America's birthday.

What you can do

Community members and businesses are urged to contribute to the July 4th Fireworks Display by sending a check to "American Legion Fireworks Fund," Central Minnesota Community Foundation, 101 Seventh Ave. S, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN 56301.


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Our View:  Help make Fireworks show into a success
Times Editorial Board

Published: May 30. 2007 12:30AM

Just five weeks from today, the St. Cloud area will be celebrating America's birthday with a new daytime, family-friendly Freedom Fest followed by the second-largest Fourth of July pyrotechnics show in Minnesota.

Both events are possible because of the St. Cloud American Legion Post 76 and the help and generosity it receives from area businesses and residents. Tops on the list of those helping out so far this year are:

» Sprint, which not only donated $15,000, but thanks to the volunteer efforts of several of its employees, is helping organize Freedom Fest. If you don't already know, Freedom Fest will run from 2-10 p.m. on the Veterans Bridge in downtown St. Cloud. It, too, will celebrate July Fourth as well as honor America's military. There will be activities for all ages, food, drinks, exhibits, a program and musical entertainment.

» Coborn's, which just started a matching fundraiser at its metro stores. Upon checkout, customers will be asked to donate $1 or more toward the July Fourth festivities. Coborn's will match $1 for $1 up to $5,000 in these donations. Additionally, those who do donate at least $1 can put their names on stickers, which will be posted at each store.

» Anderson Trucking Service again is donating the four semi-trailers and trucks needed to haul barges and equipment to and from Stillwater. (Remember, for the second straight year the 10 p.m. fireworks will be launched from barges anchored in the Mississippi River between Wilson and Hester parks. Considering the price of fuel and such, Tom Richardson, fireworks organizer with Post 76, estimates this in-kind donation at about $15,000.)

» C&L Distributing is helping sponsor Freedom Fest and the fireworks show through the sales of beverages at the daytime festival and at Wilson Park for the fireworks.

Such efforts from longtime fireworks donors provide a good start to this year's community celebration and the eventual creation of a fireworks endowment fund.

But more help is needed to reach both goals, and that's why organizers this year tripled the number of letters they sent to area organizations seeking assistance. Results of those efforts will be known in the next few weeks.

We encourage everyone to help. Whether you represent a business or are just giving a few dollars out of your own pocket, every donation helps.

What you can do

Community members and businesses are urged to make a contribution for the July Fourth Fireworks Display by sending a check to "American Legion Fireworks Fund," Central Minnesota Community Foundation, 101 Seventh Ave. S, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

The St. Cloud Times is one of three media companies sponsoring these events.

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Our View: Post 76's hard work to pay off on July 4th
Times Editorial Board

Published: May 08. 2007 12:30AM

What a turnaround! And what a way to celebrate the 60th consecutive year of fabulous Independence Day fireworks!

Those are our sentiments regarding recently announced plans by St. Cloud American Legion Post 76 that it will organize the second largest pyrotechnics display statewide this Fourth of July.

That's right. Not even four years after the show lost about half its funding because of city of St. Cloud budget cuts, volunteers have rallied enough private support that the 60th annual Post 76 fireworks show is set to be the second largest in all of Minnesota.

In addition, this year's 10 p.m. show will be preceded with Freedom Fest — a 2-10 p.m. celebration based at the Veterans Bridge in downtown St. Cloud. It, too, will celebrate July 4th as well as honor America's military.

The fun there will include activities for all ages, food, drinks, exhibits, a program and musical entertainment.

The evening culminates at 10 p.m. with the fireworks, which for the second straight year will be launched from barges in the Mississippi River between Hester and Wilson parks.

Having day and evening activities is a tribute to the many people and businesses who have worked together to keep this fine Central Minnesota tradition alive for 60 years.

Tops on that list are Tom Richardson and the folks at Post 76. Richardson's father, Ed, was a Post 76 member and the leader of the fireworks show for about 40 years. After he died in 2005, Tom Richardson stepped in and continues to work to push the show to new levels.

Countless area residents have responded with their donations, as have many businesses. Major sponsors this year include Sprint, Anderson Trucking Service, C&L Distributing, ING Direct, Landwehr Construction Inc. and Liberty Savings Bank.

The St. Cloud Times, Leighton Broadcasting and Regent Broadcasting are media sponsors.

Couple all these efforts with the many private donations — large and small — throughout the show's history, and St. Cloud should be very proud that this communitywide event has lasted 60 years.

What you can do

Community members and businesses are urged to make a contribution for the July 4th Fireworks Display by sending a check to "American Legion Fireworks Fund," Central Minnesota Community Foundation, 101 Seventh Ave. S, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

All monies collected go toward the Legion Fireworks Fund at the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. The Legion Fireworks Fund has been established to assist with the St. Cloud Area July 4th Fireworks Display.

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Legion raising money for 4th of July fireworks
Posted Wed, May 02, 2007 06:58:24 AM

ST. CLOUD -- The Fourth of July holiday is only about two months away, and organizers of the fireworks display are asking you to help support the program by making a donation to the Legion Fireworks Fund. Legion Post 76 is again sponsoring the event this year. In fact, it is the 60-year anniversary of the Legion's sponsorship. But, spokesman Tom Richardson says they need everybody's help to make it what St. Cloud deserves in a fireworks display. New this year will be "Freedom Fest" -- a spinoff of of last year's Bridge Fest, but with activities, entertainment, vendors and more space than last year. If you'd like to make a donation, you can get more information by logging on to our website at wjon.com and selecting more on the story.

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PRESS RELEASE - April 22, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Cloud American Legion Announces 2007 July 4th Fireworks Display and Freedom Fest


St. Cloud American Legion Post 76 is for the 60th consecutive year organizing and sponsoring the St. Cloud area Fourth of July Fireworks Display. The 2007 Fireworks Display is scheduled to be the second largest pyrotechnics display in Minnesota on July 4th. For the second year in a row Fireworks will be launched from barges in the Mississippi River between Hester and Wilson Parks, beginning at 10pm on July 4th. Great viewing areas will be available on both sides of the Mississippi River, in Wilson and Hester Parks, from Veteran’s Bridge, and other parts of the community.

New for 2007 – The City of St. Cloud asked Post 76 to be the event organizer for Freedom Fest – a Fourth of July celebration providing fun for all ages, with food, drink, exhibits, entertainment and more on and near Veterans Bridge in downtown St. Cloud.   Freedom Fest will run from 2:00 – 10:00 pm on July 4th.

Freedom Fest will include Kids Games, area musicians and entertainment, displays, activities, and a program celebrating July 4th and honoring the United States Military.  In the evening, The Killer Hayseeds and Universal Recording Artist Rockie Lynne will perform prior to the Fireworks Display.

St. Cloud American Legion Post 76 Commander Barry Kirchoff said, “2007 is very special – it marks the 60th consecutive year American Legion Post 76 has sponsored the area’s Fireworks Display. To commemorate America’s Birthday, honor our troops and members of the military and celebrate the Diamond Anniversary of Post 76’s 60 years of Fireworks and other service to the community, we are planning a spectacular pyrotechnic display. Our 2007 Fourth of July Fireworks Display is scheduled to be the second largest fireworks show in Minnesota on July 4th.

The Fireworks Committee goals are to make the 60th Anniversary Fireworks Display St. Cloud's best ever, and to provide Freedom Fest as a lead up to the Fireworks, creating an opportunity for people from all across the area to celebrate the Fourth of July with an assortment of activities according to Fireworks Committee Volunteer Tom Richardson.  

"We have an energetic group of volunteers and contributors dedicated to carrying on this great fireworks celebration of our country’s birthday, and this year Freedom Fest. It takes a dedicated team working together to make these activities happen. We are all committed to continuing to add to our community's celebration of freedom and independence as people honor America’s Birthday and celebrate with family and friends with a special day of activities and fireworks display. Freedom Fest will be a fun filled day for people of all ages to come downtown during the day on July 4th. There will be a variety of entertainment, fun activities great food and drink and great musical entertainment. Freedom Fest will build on the successes of St. Cloud’s 2006 July 4th Sesquicentennial Celebration. We’re pleased to be of service to the community.”

“We’re launching the fireworks from barges in the Mississippi River to accomplish two important goals – first to be able to open up prime viewing areas in Wilson Park. In recent years most of Wilson Park has been closed for viewing because of safety zone requirements. Launching from the Mississippi River provides the space required for the safety zone allowing more of Wilson Park to be open for viewing the fireworks. Second, the additional safety zone provided by the river allows for larger shells to be used making for a more dynamic show. We’re doing all of this with safety being our number one objective.”

Many area businesses and individuals contribute to make St. Cloud’s Fourth of July celebration happen. Leading the way for 2007 are donations from Sprint, Anderson Trucking Service, C & L Distributing, ING DIRECT, Landwehr Construction Inc. and Liberty Savings Bank.

Leighton Broadcasting, the St. Cloud Times and Regent Broadcasting are teaming up with St. Cloud American Legion Post 76 as media promotional partners to help keep the July 4th Fireworks tradition alive and strong. “Our broadcast and newspaper partners will be helping promote Freedom Fest and the Fireworks and with our fundraising efforts by creating awareness of the need for donations and recognizing those who help make this all happen” Richardson said. In addition, local radio stations will be broadcasting a synchronized music soundtrack for the Fireworks Display.

"Leighton Broadcasting, Regent Broadcasting and the St. Cloud Times add a tremendous amount of promotional firepower to our Fireworks communications and fundraising efforts. St. Cloud American Legion Post 76, and the St. Cloud area community, are very fortunate to be able to team up with organizations with a strong commitment to St. Cloud and central Minnesota.” according to Richardson.

Bill Albrecht, St. Cloud Times Publisher added "Each year we have seen the fireworks display get bigger and better. It is a valued part of our community and we support the Fireworks Fund because it impacts so many people in a positive and memorable way. We hope to keep the tradition alive with our contributions.”

Community members and businesses are urged to make a contribution for the July 4th Fireworks Display by sending a check to “American Legion Fireworks Fund,” Central Minnesota Community Foundation, 101 S 7th Ave., Suite 100, St. Cloud MN 56301. All monies collected go towards the Legion Fireworks Fund at the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. The Legion Fireworks Fund has been established to assist with the St. Cloud Area July 4th Fireworks Display.

Make sure to attend St .Cloud's, and one of Minnesota’s, most exciting July 4th Fireworks Display and celebrate America’s Birthday. Come early and visit Freedom Fest beginning at 2:00 in downtown St. Cloud on the west end of Veteran’s Bridge. The fireworks will begin at 10pm on July 4th on the Mississippi river between Hester and Wilson Parks in St. Cloud.

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