GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, August 30 – Saturday, September 5, 2026
99.3 County FM is dedicated to keeping you informed about our programming.
To this end, we are sharing with you highlights of the next week on Sunday’s The County Writes…The County Reads and Monday to Friday Grapevine (noon hour & repeat 6:00 p.m.) plus any other unique programming specials.
This newsletter is sent once per week. If you prefer not to know what’s happening on Grapevine, please inform us by emailing reception@993countyfm.ca.
Last weekend to get your 50/50 Tickets in support of County FM and The Back the Build campaign!
Sunday, August 30, 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
What are you reading?
From the archives: Christine Renaud was reading a coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of the 1980s Southern Ontario tobacco belt. Christine recently hosted the author at her store, Diggers Books on County Road 13. Sommelier Jay Whiteley was reading a book he said will appeal to anyone working in the restaurant business or wine industry. Pamela Stagg was re-reading a favourite book she first recommended to CWCR listeners in 2015 and which she has featured on The County, Naturally.
Monday, August 31, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette discusses the fallout from the trade war between Canada and the United States, area employers and employees affected by the tariffs, and the federal government’s plans for assistance.
The municipal election is Monday, October 26 and County Clerk Catalina Blumenberg has advice for voters.
Tammy Sweeney, recently appointed as General Manager of B31 District, describes her first impressions of the County, learning about its history and her vision for connecting the community to Base 31.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
CONSUMERISM
As the 2026 grape harvest gets underway in Prince Edward County, what kind of season has it been for our local vineyards? We’ll talk with Tim Kuepfer, Board Chair of PEC Wine, about this year’s growing conditions and what the wineries are anticipating from the harvest. We’ll also look ahead to PEC Wine’s annual TASTE event, happening Saturday, September 12 at Macaulay Heritage Park — a celebration of Prince Edward County wine, food and community!
SERVICES / HEALTH & WELLNESS
Let’s get an update on the Pinecrest Housing Project in Bloomfield — an ambitious vision to revive an empty school built in 1967 and turn it into affordable housing and a thriving community for seniors. Ken How, Project Facilitator and Chair of Pinecrest Housing Project’s Operations Working Group, joins us for an extended interview to discuss:
- Why being built in 1967 is proving to be a big advantage;
- What the project will look like when completed;
- How Pinecrest is creating a connected community where residents can remain active, engaged and involved; and
- Why this ambitious vision could be a model for other rural areas.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
Krista Hepburn speaks with local chefs, cooks, and friends about their favourite recipes and dishes.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Dave Mackay explores the world of pre owned (and loved) clothing with Kelly Sommerville of October Sky.
THE COUNTY, NATURALLY
Photo: Antony-22
Pollinators — like our beloved monarch butterfly and ruby-throated hummingbird — rely on native plants for survival. Wildflower Farm in Coldwater, Ontario, has been supplying native plant seed to Canadians for decades. This week, Pamela Stagg talks to the founders and owners, Paul Jenkins and Miriam Goldberger, about their adventures with plants and people.
Thursday, September 3, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
Cheryl McLellan speaks to Robin Snip of Snip Family Farms. They
discuss the history of their establishment and how the recent intense
changes of weather have impacted them.
COUNTY PROFILE
Penny, not ‘Penelope’ Kitchen tells all about growing up in PEC, from kissing frogs to painting on everything she got her hands on to teaching Ju-Jitsu to rambunctious children, animating Scooby-Doo, singing professionally and acting every bit the amazing Mom she never thought she’d be on today’s County Profile with Renay Weisman-Stanners.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Liz Zylstra chats about the library’s busy upcoming fall schedule including some exciting author talks.
Friday, September 4, 2026
ARTSCENE
Pamela Mayhew speaks with Ted Pickering about Autumn Reimagined, Pamela’s show inspired by the Canadian landscape. Save the date Friday September 4th 5-7 – OPENING RECEPTION – at The SHED Studio located at 500 Closson Road, Hillier.
SPORTS ROUNDUP
The Prince Edward County Sports Hall of Fame showcases memorable athletes and events.
PET REPORT
Dave Wheatley reports on lost and found cats as well as profiling the ones looking for a forever home.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
Screen Play
Raj Dhillon shares interviews, reviews, and analysis of all things film and movie related.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Aug 30 – Sept 5
Hot Days, Cold Cash 50/50 Raffle – Jackpot over $1,680 and growing
This is your last weekend to get a ticket, sales end Sunday Aug 30th at 8pm. Tune into Support 99.3 County FM and our partner “The Prince Edward County Hospital Foundation Back the Build Campaign”. Get your 50/50 ticket 5 for $10.00, 30 for $20.00, 150 for $50.00, 400 for $100.00. Contest open to Ontario residents 18 years of age or older. License RAF 1266439
Join our new host Justin Rutledge Sat Aug 29th at 8pm
Welcome to Downtime: an hour of music dedicated to lowering the tempo of your day. Hosted by JUNO-award winning songwriter Justin Rutledge, Downtime is free of genre, and free of stress. From folk to jazz, electronic to classical—spend a little Downtime with us Saturday’s at 8pm on County FM.
99.3 CountyFM Presents “OUR STORIES. OUR HISTORY”
It’s easier than ever to find and listen to the stories we share on-air. It’s a new catalogue of audio for interviews, documentaries, specialty projects, images, and more. Each week we are loading more of our living history into the 99.3 COUNTY FM PUBLIC ARCHIVE.
Go to online to 993COUNTYFM.CA and click on the magnifying glass or hit the word, “Search” to explore all the archive has to offer.
The 2026 BIGLAKE Festival Aug 21st – 29th
Today is the last day of the world-class festival. Artists collaborate and perform in exciting new ways, and inspire audiences through imagination, creativity, and inclusion. 99.3 County FM media sponsor. Tickets and details biglakearts.com
ANDARA Gallery, Canadian Musician Astrid Young & 99.3 County FM Present VORTEX
Prince Edward County, an experience unlike any other! ANDARA Gallery proudly presents VORTEX — a groundbreaking fusion of art, music, wine, and interactive technology with tasting notes and tunes by Sommiella & Canadian musician Astrid Young. The exhibition continues until Sept 7.
Rednersville Art Tour Labour Day Weekend
The studio tour showcases artists in their creative spaces, and their one-of-a-kind artworks
in their chosen medium. Starting in Rossmore or Carrying Place, the studio tour delivers a weekend of fun while exploring the arts. Info at rednersvilleroadarttour.com/
The Picton Fall Fair September 10-12
From the historical Crystal Palace, to first class exhibits of homecrafts, woodcrafts, schools, cattle & horse shows, midway, live music in the Crystal Palace Community Centre All, and the popular “Rising Star” competition. Tractor pull, Demolition Derby & Lawn Tractor racing etc…Say hi, we’re under the 99.3 CountyFM tent on the Picton Fair Grounds. Check out our special fall merch. Tune in for chances to win tickets. Purchase tickets and get more info at pictonfair.ca
The Milford Fall Fair Sept 19th
Celebrate our 80th! The community event gives back thousands of dollars every year to County community groups and special initiatives! Bring the whole family to the Milford Fair Grounds in Mt. Tabor. Cash entry only: $5 for anyone over 17; everyone else free.Milford Fall Fair
Volunteer Opportunities Call the station 613-476-2229 or email volunteer@993countyfm.ca
Donations Coordinator – responsible for maintaining the process surrounding financial donations from individuals and businesses that support the operations of our community radio station, while fostering strong relationships with donors and working well with our volunteer team.
