By John Howell Sr.

The Batesville Civitan Club marks its 30th annual Radio Day with this Saturday’s broadcast from WBLE.

From 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. Civitan members will take over the station, airing pre-sold spots and auctioning items donated by community supporters in a conversational, give-and-take banter that highlights personalities heard on the air only once a year.

“This is our big fundraiser,” said Ricky Swindle, Civitan member and founder of the Local Yokels program that usually airs on the station Saturday morning. “Everything the Civitan Club does works off of Radio Day.”

Proceeds will help fund the Civitans’ support for the South Panola School District’s Child Development Center. The funds are also used for specific local needs that arise, often donating to help offset medical needs or other needs that arise, Swindle said. The club also supports the Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“I say affectionately, Joe Hartley passed it over to me,” Swindle continued, recalling the former county superintendent of education and vocational agriculture teacher whose booming voice dominated the Radio Day broadcast for most of its history.

Supporters can buy spots on the broadcast for a $10 donation, Swindle said. For a donation of $100, spots will be aired throughout the day.

“We’re grateful for what anybody can do. If you can’t help out, you’re our friend and we love you anyway,” Swindle continued.

To make a donation or for further information, contact Swindle at 934-1235 or Glenn Adams at 563-7776.