City, Family, Mark First Fourth of July Fireworks Without Beloved Commissioner Tom Richardson

(KNSI) — “It’s an emotional day. It’s an overwhelming day. It’s a great day to see everybody here.”

That’s how Ryan Richardson, son of St. Cloud Fireworks Commissioner Tom Richardson, described the first Fourth of July celebration without his dad. Tom and his family were honored during the city’s 77th fireworks display on Tuesday night after Tom passed away suddenly earlier this year.

Ryan spoke to KNSI News about his father’s affection for the holiday. “He was Mr. Fourth of July. He absolutely loved the Fourth of July. He loved celebrating America. He loved everything that it stood for. And it meant so much to him to have people really take pride in their country and celebrating.”

The show started at the park around Lake George, moved to the Benton County Fairgrounds and then found a home at its current location along the Mississippi River between Hester and Wilson Parks. Richardson pioneered using a barge in the river to allow the use of larger fireworks. Today, the display garners more than 40,000 spectators.

The Richardson family will always be connected to the annual fireworks show. Their legacy started in 1947 with Ryan’s grandfather Ed Richardson. “When he passed, my dad Tom took it over, and for the next 17 years organized it. So for 64 years, it was a father and son who brought the St. Cloud area Fourth of July fireworks to life.”

A proclamation introduced by Rockville area Senator Jeff Howe honored Tom’s commitment to the show and passed on the community’s condolences to the family.

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