As early as 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, dozens of music lovers in Penticton could be seen donating some of their beloved records to a local radio station.
That’s because Peach City Radio CFUZ, a volunteer-run independent network on 92.9 FM, held its annual vinyl and audio equipment drive in preparation for the 11th Okanagan Vinyl Festival on September 22nd.
According to the station, by 11:30 a.m. almost 600 records had been donated to the good cause.
“The community always seems to help out and it’s just great to see,” said Jackie Del Rizzo, treasurer of the Peach City Radio board.
The region-wide festival, held in September on the Penticton campus of Okanagan College, is one of the station’s most important fundraisers of the year.
On Saturday, volunteers accepted records and audio equipment in the parking lot of the Cannery Trade Centre at the corner of Fairview Road and Duncan Avenue.
Favorites named by volunteers included the Beatles’ “Rubber Soul” and “Revolver,” released in 1965 and 1966 respectively.
In some cases, organizers added, people were seen bringing up to 100 records at once.
Old record players and speakers were also donated for the good cause.
“For some people, it’s actually very emotional to leave records behind,” Del Rizzo said. “Some leave things behind and have no attachment to them, but others say it’s really hard and think it’s time to pass it on, so it’s a really touching part of the day.”
The vinyl drive comes as the non-profit network raises money to expand its station. The station, located in the Cannery Trade Centre, will soon have two different studios thanks to the work.
“These new facilities will enable us to train more volunteers and thus increase the quantity and quality of locally produced music and talk programs for our listeners,” said Nils Finnsson, the station’s technology director.
The funds raised at this year’s Okanagan Vinyl Festival will benefit the project.
Thousands of records and audio equipment from all eras are offered for sale during the festival, which typically welcomes people from across British Columbia.
“There is definitely a loyal following,” said Del Rizzo.
“But we also have community members who don’t even have a record player come and watch it. It’s a great family event too,” added Ian Mackinder, music director at Peach City Radio.
