The Okanagan Vinyl Fest draws over 300 vinyl buyers each year and features vendors from all over the province as well as from Alberta. Unfortunately, it has been cancelled for this September. (Submitted)

Okanagan Vinyl Fest cancelled in Penticton

Peach City Radio hoping listeners still find a way to support the independent station

  • Aug. 1, 2021 12:00 a.m.

CFUZ – Peach City Radio is hoping listeners will find a way to donate even after they’ve decided to cancel their largest fundraiser — the Okanagan Vinyl Fest this year.

The event was scheduled for Sept. 26 at the Seniors’ Drop In Centre and is a major fundraiser for the independent Penticton radio station. Though restrictions for indoor gatherings have been reduced, the short time frame to organize the event and a scheduling conflict with the venue has forced the local community radio station to cancel the event for a second consecutive year, said Ian Mackinder, Okanagan Vinyl Fest organizer and member of the Peach City Radio Society.

Okanagan Vinyl Fest is a major fundraiser for Peach City Radio, and the 2021 edition would have been the radio station’s 9th annual vinyl sale. Okanagan Vinyl Fest draws over 300 vinyl buyers each year and features vendors from all over the province as well as from Alberta.

The loss of fundraising revenue will be a major blow to the nonprofit society which operates CFUZ, an FM broadcasting radio station (92.9 FM). This 100 per cent volunteer operated radio station relies on the revenue from this event to keep the station operating.

CFUZ operates out of the Cannery Convention Centre, a historic building with an electric mix of shops and restaurants.

Listeners who would like to help support CFUZ are encouraged to visit the CFUZ website at cfuz.ca. The next Okanagan Vinyl Fest has been scheduled for Sept 25.

The station covers the spectrum from bluegrass and folk to punk and heavy metal and shows focused on jazz, blues, classical and even 1980s synth-wave. A weekly program is dedicated to the community of Naramata, and there are syndicated shows on news and public affairs. The station also strives through its volunteer engagement to promote the work of non-profits and charities in the South Okanagan region.

READ MORE: Peach City Radio second On-Air-versary storms the airwaves

Penticton Western News