ISABELLA INZINNA
Staff Writer
Steele Hall Ice Rink must’ve been a time machine when Fredonia Radio Systems (FRS) took over for their annual event, Rock ‘N’ Skate.
Program Directors Heather Leonardi and Elena Fitzgerald with Music Director Brian Shin transformed the ice rink with help from Sound Services, taking us back in time to the ‘80s. Back then, neons were in, the hair was big and High Noon Friday was created!
The event was held on Friday, Feb. 23, in Steele Hall Ice Rink, but there was more than just ice skating. Off the ice, there was a photo booth with handmade props and an ‘80s-themed costume contest that anyone could enter. Among the offered refreshments were popcorn, pizza, soda and juice. There were also a few tables selling raffle tickets, candy grams and CDs/Vinyls.
Matt Volz, a sophomore journalism major said, “I didn’t skate but I loved seeing everyone’s costumes, and some people really got into the ‘80s spirit.” As a spectator, Volz said, “It was fun to see some of the people who never skated before go out on the ice for the first time.”
Overall, Volz noted that he had a fun time attending the event.
Another aspect of Rock ‘N’ Skate was the celebration of High Noon Friday’s 40th anniversary. The ‘80s theme stemmed from this celebration since High Noon Friday was created in that decade. Fredonia Radio Systems itself was created a few years before High Noon Friday aired its first episode.
Since then, High Noon Friday has aired every Friday on WCVF during the fall and spring semesters, giving the campus and community a place to have their voices heard.
In essence, High Noon Friday is a variety radio show which currently airs news, student segments and trivia. For news, they cover campus, local, national/international and sports news.
The student segments typically come from Professor Chris Dahlie’s Audio Production II Class. On occasion, FRS’ show The Local Lo Down will submit mini field interviews titled A Little Lo Down.
A more recent addition to High Noon Friday that has become a staple for listeners and FRS members alike is the “classically chaotic segment, trivia slightly after 12.” Many FRS members go on-air for the first time through the trivia segment.
Chief Engineer Brian Valencia’s first time on-air was a High Noon Friday trivia segment.
Valencia said, “I remember being nervous and also excited.” Speaking in front of a microphone can be extremely nerve-wracking, especially for the first time. Valencia continued, “Once I was actually on-air and trivia started, everything felt natural and my nerves went away.”
Overall, Valencia said being on High Noon Friday was a blast.
Throughout the year, FRS plans on doing everything it can to celebrate the milestone, and Rock ‘N’ Skate was just the beginning. There’s some promotional content that plays on-air throughout the day on WCVF, promoting the anniversary. There’s also a special interview with Dan Bergren, the original advisor of WCVF, which will be available on the FRS YouTube channel soon.
Happy 40th Birthday High Noon Friday, here’s to 40 years and many more to come.
Matt Volz, who was interviewed for this article, is the Sports Editor of The Leader.