JASON PARKS
EDITOR
County FM is celebrating the return of Radiothon to its studios on Cold Storage Road this year.
Previously, truncated Radiothons have been held outdoors due to safety provisions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic but in 2023, the Radiothon returns home to its original location.
Rita di Ghent and Astrid Young are part of the 2023 County FM Radiothon lineup. (Submitted Photo)
This year’s event features four days of live performances from over 45 local musicians in the studio from May 25 to 28. This year’s fundraising goal is $65,000, which will go towards operations and improvements at the station.
Picton Home Hardware’s Adam Busscher and the Busscher Family will chair the proceedings.
“At Picton Home Hardware we’ve been happy to support CountyFM from the very earliest days, even before the station went on the air back in 2014. I’m very pleased, on behalf of my family and our business, to serve as Honourary Chair for Radiothon 2023,” Busscher said. “County FM brings our many communities together and is an essential service for individuals, community groups and businesses alike. I urge everyone to join us in supporting 99.3 CountyFM, the Voice of the County.”
The annual event raises funds to keep the non-profit, volunteer-driven, community radio station alive. More than one third of the station’s annual income comes by way of donations and grants.
Since 2014, County FM has grown to the point where more than 50 per cent of its listeners tune in every day. The award-winning station is now one of the five largest community radio stations in Canada and its operations depends on the active involvement of over 85 volunteers in roles that include on- air hosting, interviewing, managing the studio, administration, and fund-raising.
“This is the one critical time of year where we ask for direct support from our beloved listeners, local businesses, and the community at large. We are grateful for contributions to help us bridge the funding gap so we can continue to connect the County,” added Station General Manager Craig Mills.
Miss Emily returns to local airwaves on Thursday morning as part of Radiothon 2023. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)
The event kicks off Thursday morning at 8 a.m. with Cue the Funk, and features hourly live music performances over four days. It wraps up Sunday with Peter Rea at 7 p.m.
For the full lineup, check out www.993countyfm.ca .
Other sponsors include Wellings of Picton; Dunrose Distribution; Edward Jones Picton; Heidelberg Materials; JJIMS International; Lockyer’s Country Gardens; Prinzen Ford Sales; Veenstra & Lloyd’s Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling; and Wilkinson & Company LLP. Donations, which are tax-deductible, are welcome anytime during the Radiothon broadcast: in person at the studios on Cold Storage Road, by phone 1-855-Get-2- 993 (1-855-Get-2-993) or donate online by e-transfer. Please send your donation to ar@993countyfm.ca and be sure to include a message saying the funds are a donation to 99.3 CountyFM.
And if you miss Radiothon, don’t let that stop you. You can donate anytime to www.993countyfm.ca.
Sponsors of the event include Wellings of Picton, Dunrose Distribution, Edward Jones Picton, Heidelberg Materials, JJIMS International leadership and life coaching, and management consulting, Lockyer’s Country Gardens, Picton Home Hardware Building Centre,Prinzen Ford Sales, Veenstra & Lloyd’s Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling and Wilkinson & Company LLP.