Fort Erie Radio to honour community with free May 17 barbecue

Come grab a free meal on us as Fort Erie Radio celebrates two years on air while raising money for Community Living Fort Erie.

The station’s community appreciation barbecue runs Sunday, May 17, from noon to 2 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 on Garrison Road.

The barbecue and will feature free burgers and hot dogs, a 50/50 raffle and direct donations for Community Living Fort Erie, which supports more than 230 families across Greater Fort Erie.

“When we say we want to show our appreciation for this community, we mean it,” said Brent Jones, Fort Erie Radio’s program director. “The only reason Fort Erie Radio exists is because of the thousands of local listeners and readers we have in Fort Erie.”

The event will be open to everyone regardless of whether they donate.

Community Living Fort Erie supports people who have intellectual disabilities and their families. The fundraiser also falls during Community Living Month, which the town recognized earlier this month through a flag raising at town hall.

The event continues a partnership established during the station’s first broadcast anniversary barbecue in May 2025, which also raised money for Community Living Fort Erie through a 50/50 raffle.

Last year’s barbecue brought about 400 people to the Fort Erie legion. The 50/50 draw raised more than $600 for Community Living Fort Erie.

Jones said this year’s turnout remains difficult to predict because the event falls on the Victoria Day long weekend.

“Between that and unpredictable spring weather, you never really know what to expect,” said Jones.

The event will also include a prize wheel, station merchandise and an opportunity for residents to meet Fort Erie Radio staff.

Jones said the station’s growth during its first two years confirmed demand for local reporting and live local broadcasting in Fort Erie.

“I knew there was a need in this town for locally-focused media,” said Jones. “Fort Erie is a community that always has something going on. There’re always stories worth telling.”

Jones said that roughly 81 per cent of the station’s audience comes from Fort Erie and that the station now reaches tens of thousands of monthly readers and listeners.

“And while there’s always room to keep growing and improving, we’re grateful that our digital station was so warmly embraced by the community,” said Jones.

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