Love & Records taking a break

ANNUAL FESTIVAL NOT BEING STAGED THIS YEAR

After seven years, the city’s Love & Records Festival is taking a pause.

Officials at the CKXU Radio Society, organizers of the mid-September event in Galt Gardens, have confirmed it won’t be taking place this year.

“The station is proud of the legacy the festival has created in Lethbridge, bringing a free outdoor record fair, showcasing up-and-coming live local and non-local entertainment,” says Aaron Trozzo, the society’s executive director, on their website.

At the same time, he points out, Love & Records has supported local businesses, and attracted a variety of record, food, and general vendors from around Alberta and neighbouring provinces.

It’s an event that has been “providing valuable volunteer experiences, and exploring and celebrating the many unique opportunities of incorporating community radio into the cultural fabric of Lethbridge.”

Trozzo says the decision to take a hiatus followed a “feasibility meeting” of Love & Records committee volunteers with members of the radio station’s staff, board of directors and general volunteers.

“This was a very difficult decision to make,” Trozzo says.

“Love & Records has been an integral part of CKXU and the Lethbridge community for the past seven years. It has become very close to our hearts.”

But after taking a close look at the current state of the station‘s human resources, the many ongoing projects and the upcoming community events the station is managing, the decision was made.

“Unfortunately, we could not justify putting further strain on the station, volunteers and staff during such a sensitive timeframe.”

Trozzo says the radio society realizes the importance of creating and supporting events and venues that bolster artistic expression, education, local economic growth, accessibility, and fostering healthier, safer and more diverse communities.

“The CKXU Radio Society plans to continue this work within the community to achieve these things.”

So listeners should “stay tuned” for updates and future developments.