Tune in for WOOL FM 91.5's 20th Anniversary Block Party

WOOL FM 91.5 is turning 20, and they're celebrating in true community spirit with a high-energy Block Party Fundraiser you won't want to miss! On Saturday, Aug. 23, from 2 to 10 p.m., the festivities will take over the Waypoint Center in Bellows Falls for a full day of music, fun and festival flavor. Themed "Mission: Transmission," this milestone event doubles as a fundraiser to help replace the station's aging transmitter in Alstead, ensuring WOOL FM can keep broadcasting strong for years to come. With a live DJ, local bands, family-friendly games, delicious food and more, the 20th Anniversary Block Party promises something for everyone — and celebrates the station's unwavering connection to the community it serves. WOOL FM began broadcasting as a low-power FM station in 2005. As a non-commercial, non-profit station, it's entirely member owned and volunteer run. These volunteers have been the driving force behind a wide variety of programming — from diverse music genres to interviews and talk shows. "We try to provide a mixed bag of programming to the Bellows Falls, Vt. area," said Eric Kallio, interim vice president and treasurer of the station. With its current broadcast range, WOOL FM can now be heard within a 25- to 50-mile radius, reaching towns like Claremont, Brattleboro and Keene. In 2014, the station upgraded from low-power to full-power FM. While the original signal only reached three to five miles, the full-power upgrade significantly expanded its coverage area. Along with that growth came more community involvement. "We have 20 hosts now, and we continue to be very successful with donors and underwriters. We are 100 percent donation-funded," Kallio added. The upcoming Block Party isn't WOOL FM's only effort to raise funds and connect with the community. The station regularly participates in local events and festivals, hosting bake sales at the Vermont Welcome Center and organizing creative fundraisers throughout the year. One recent highlight was a lively and successful evening at Orchard Hill Breadworks Pizza Night in Alstead, where good food and great company helped raise support for the station. At the Block Party, in addition to a live DJ, there will be performances by eight live bands: The Milkhouse Heaters Matt Monroe and the Black River Band The Vermont Moonlighters Plymouth Rock Rustie Bus Quadro the Magnificent The Wild Idlers Parlor Ruckus A cash bar will be available by Athens Pizza, along with plenty of classic festival food. Families can enjoy games, 50/50 raffles and a chance to meet their favorite Black Sheep Radio hosts in person. Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door, children ages 12 through 18 are $8 in advance or $10 at the door and children under 12 are free. To purchase advance tickets, visit blacksheepradio.org. The Waypoint Center is located at 17 Depot St., Bellow Falls, Vt. For more information on the event of WOOL FM visit blacksheepradio.org, call 802-463-9665, or email feedback@blacksheepradio.org.