Tirevold named friend of Classic

Lifelong Iowan and retired fireworks pyrotechnician Arlen Tirevold has been named as this year’s Friend of the Classic. He will be recognized for his years of service to the Waseca community through an appearance in the Waseca Marching Classic parade on September 17.

Tirevold lives in Gruven, Iowa, but through his wife Katheryn (née Swenson), has become very connected to Waseca over the years. 

As a pyrotechnician for the South Dakota company Lew’s Fireworks, Tirevold has participated in firework shows around Minnesota for the past several decades. This includes Waseca’s annual Fourth of July show and, since the late 1990s, a firework show associated with the Waseca Marching Classic. 

One highlight of his work as a pyrotechnician was participating in special plans for the Marching Classic’s 25th anniversary in 2012. This year, the parade celebrates its 35th. 

Though he is still a licensed pyrotechnician, Tirevold, who turns 65 during September, officially retired last year.

Tirevold said his favorite part of the job was “meeting the people that we deal with.” He added that he and his wife have made many friends through firework shows. 

Two of Tirevold’s former firework co-technicians were Tim Boise and John Bently, who hail from the Waseca area. 

Being chosen as this year’s Friend of the Classic was a complete surprise to Tirevold, but he is proud to be recognized, seeing the title as “quite an honor.”

Tirevold is a lifelong fan of marching bands, including both drum lines and bands like the Waseca Marching Jays. In previous years, he’s typically not been able to watch the Classic’s parade because he’s been busy preparing for the fireworks display; he says he is looking forward to being part of the day’s center attraction.

The Waseca Marching Classic parade is planned to start at noon on September 17, beginning on State Street near the city safety building and marching northward to Trowbridge Park.