It's almost time to crank those FM dials and celebrate everything community radio has to offer in the South Okanagan.
Mayor Julius Bloomfield has proclaimed Feb. 2 to 8 as Penticton Community Radio Week, ahead of Peach City Radio CFUZ 92.9 FM's biggest fundraiser of the year.
The volunteer-run community station is celebrating its "OnAirversary" on Feb. 8, at the Cannery Trade Centre studio. Donations in support of the station will be accepted all day.
Claire Thompson, president of Peach City Radio Society, says CFUZ 92.9 is the only community station in the region. It is celebrating six years on the FM dial this year.
"We empower local voices," Thompson told city council on Jan. 28. "We reflect and celebrate Penticton's culture."
A special 12-hour broadcast will air on Feb. 8, as volunteers raise funds. In the past, around $15,000 has been collected in support of the station's birthday efforts.
The station can be heard on the FM dial from Oliver to Peachland.
This year's fundraising theme is "radio on a mission," Thompson said.
"Most of our program hosts will be there to talk about why community radio is important to them, why they volunteer so much time to produce radio for our community, and why it's important for people to support it," the station's president added.
"All of the funds that are generated go into operating the station, and this is our biggest source of funding to help us continue."