Watertown's Randy Tupper Honored With Key to the City After Record Fourth of July Crowd
- Steve Jurrens
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The City Council opened its July 6 meeting with a heartfelt and honorable moment, as longtime public servant and fireworks coordinator Randy Tupper delivered a full recap of Watertown’s 250th Independence Day celebration — and then received one of the city’s highest honors.
Biggest Crowd in Event History
Tupper told the council this year’s Fourth of July celebration was “by far the biggest crowd we’ve ever had,” estimating 10,000 to 11,000 people at the Premier Softball Complex and Anza Soccer Complex.
“About 9 o’clock I drove through the parking lot over Premier Softball Field — there wasn’t a single parking spot left, and I’ve never seen that before,” Tupper said.
He credited the turnout to the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, perfect weather, and strong community support.
The night before, the annual consumer fireworks shoot also saw record participation.
“As soon as I got there at 7, five stations were already taken. I didn’t slow down until 9:30,” he said. “Spectator‑wise it was around 200 people — I’ve never seen that many just come out to watch everybody else shoot their fireworks off.”
$40,000 Display, $32,000 Raised Locally
Tupper emphasized that the show — one of the largest in the region — is only possible because of local businesses.
He read a long list of sponsors across bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and diamond tiers, noting:
“These are all local businesses. When you hear these names, thank them. Do business with them. Shop local.”
He added that Amazon has never donated a dollar to Watertown’s fireworks effort.
This year’s display cost $40,000, and Tupper raised $32,000 in local contributions.
Praise for City Departments
Tupper thanked numerous city departments for their coordination, including police, fire, street, solid waste, finance, and municipal utilities.
He highlighted the Watertown Fire Department’s ladder truck and giant American flag display on 20th Avenue, calling it “really neat” and a fitting tribute for the 250th celebration.
He also praised the fireworks crew:
“They were there at 7 o’clock that morning setting up — ten of them — and it was about 8:30 when they got done. That tells you how many hours it takes.”
And he thanked KXLG Radio and Terry Kannas for synchronizing music to the fireworks.
Mayor Holien Presents Key to the City
After Tupper finished his report, Mayor Ried Holien surprised him with a proclamation — and the key to the City of Watertown.
Holien noted that he rarely issues proclamations and reserves them for exceptional service.
“There are very few people in the community who donate their time to literally save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars over the tenure of your time,” Holien said. “That should not go underestimated.”
The proclamation recognized Tupper’s decades of public service, including his time as a council member, deputy mayor, and volunteer for numerous boards and nonprofits.
Holien emphasized that while Tupper always gives credit to donors, the community must also recognize his leadership:
“It is proper and good for a grateful community to give some credit to the man who coordinates our annual Independence Day celebrations.”
Holien then presented Tupper with the key to the city.
Tupper, visibly moved, responded simply:
“Thank you very much.”
Fireworks Coordinator Again Next Year
Tupper joked that he had tried to step back from fireworks duties, but the mayor insisted he continue.
“I guess I’m doing it again next year — that’s what you tell me anyhow,” he said, adding that volunteers are always welcome.
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