Kootenay Co-op Radio is hosting a block party tomorrow taking their biannual fundraising drive to the next level.
The community block party is being held in the old Extra Foods parking lot at the end of Baker street on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. and wrapping up at 7 p.m.
Marya Folinsbee, membership drive coordinator for KCR says the block party hosted by the Kootenay Co-op at the same location last summer inspired the radio station. It seemed to them to be a great community-building event.
“Part of KCR’s mandate is to create fun spaces for the community to get together,” she says. “I think a lot of people appreciate our presence that don’t necessarily get involved outside of listening to the radio. This is a nice way to come and get more of a taste of what KCR is all about.”
KCR has been around for 14 years and Folinsbee says they have a lot to celebrate. With their membership drive happening all week, the block party is about thanking the community for their constant support.
There will be local food vendors, a roller derby demonstration, community outreach groups, a kids zone, and, of course, live and local music. Motes & Oates, Hot Tin Can, Immune 2 Cobras and Chinese For Travellers will perform alongside slam poets.
“We try and amplify the voices of people doing good work in this town and so that’s a bit about what the block party is about too,” Folinsbee says. “It’s a great place to catch a whole bunch of eclectic music, to learn about what’s going on with KCR and other organizations in the community, to show support for the station.”
Those attending on Saturday will find Folinsbee in the kids zone where the hosts of KCR’s Tale Spinners — storytellers Mary Mortimer and Wendy Nelson — will be on hand to entertain. She’s also looking forward to spending the day interacting with youngsters.
“I am excited to do face paints and blow bubbles and do crafts and have fun with a bunch of kids,” Folinsbee says.
Kootenay Cooperative Radio is a cooperative radio station based out of Nelson found on the dial in Nelson 93.5, New Denver 107.5, Crawford Bay 96.5, and in Castlegar/Slocan Valley 101.5 and online cjly.net.