The Rollins College student-run radio station, 91.5 WPRK-FM, will celebrate its 70th Anniversary with its ninth official Fox Fest music and arts festival on Nov. 5, from 6-10 p.m. on the Bush Lawn.
The event is organized by Rollins College student staffers and traditionally features a concert with multiple acts spanning several music genres. The 2021 festival was the first after a two-year hiatus.
Launched on December 8, 1952, WPRK’s first broadcast opened with the Chapel Choir singing the Rollins College anthem. Rollins President Hugh McKean addressed the listening audience, and presented a recorded message from U.S. President-elect Dwight Eisenhower. Click here to listen the message.
Broadcasts originally ran for a few hours on weekday evenings with daytime programing added soon after. Hours expanded from noon to midnight in the 1970’s with classical music by day, and student-selected formats at night. A 24-hour schedule was adopted in the 1990’s with formats including cultural discussions, news and sports reports, and alternative rock.
The 2022 Fox Fest lineup will feature WPRK Whatever Wednesdays host DJ V, Anthony Argos, Twin Suns, Miami-based alternative band Palomino Blond, and multi-platinum music producer Kaelin Ellis. Artisan booths, food, and drinks will also be available.
“In addition to the killer lineup, Fox Fest will offer Central Florida fare,” said WPRK Co-Operations Assistant Jaianne Gilkey in an event statement. “Food trucks and vendors will be announced via our Instagram @WPRK later this month.”
Featured artisans currently include Kickbright Shop & Buttons, organic plant-growth accelerator Wrigglebrew, always4ever handmade jewelry, and event sponsors The Beacham and The Social.
“Our 70th Anniversary is officially on Dec. 8 and we will be celebrating with an event on that day, which is TBA,” WPRK Assistant Marketing Director Chase Hubbard told the32789. “We also have a weekly show on Mondays at 9am featuring interviews with current students and alumni of the station. This will also be available as a podcast called the WPRK 70th Anniversary Show. Guests include Christopher ‘Mad Dog’ Russo (of SiriusXM) from the class of ’82, and Maria Paz Gutierrez (of Radiolab), class of ’16.”
Rollins College students and employees receive complimentary Fox Fest entry with a reservation, admission for the public is $10. Click here purchase tickets or make a reservation.
WPRK is a 100% student-run, non-commercial radio station, serving the greater Winter Park community since 1952. The station airs dozens of shows weekly, each crafted by its own host.
