KHOI-FM Grand Opening Sept. 16

The legendary Pantorium building in downtown Ames will become the new home of KHOI-FM following dedication ceremonies Friday, Sept. 16, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

The public is invited to the ribbon cutting and reception at the Pantorium, 410 Douglas, which first opened as a Laundromat and dry cleaner in 1925.

Now it will house the offices and future broadcast studio of the new community radio station.

Supporters of KHOI-FM will spend the next year fundraising, with the goal of having the station on the air by August 2012. They are launching a capital campaign to raise $100,000 to cover the cost of renovating the space and acquiring necessary broadcast equipment. KHOI Inc. is a 501C3 not-for-profit organization.

Members of the Ames Chamber of Commerce will join with the station’s board members and volunteers to celebrate the grand opening, which will feature refreshments, displays and jazz music from the collection of Ames resident Anthony Garrett.

A pre-dedication event will take place Thursday, Sept. 15, during the Octagon Music Walk, when local singer-songwriters Holly Figueora and Elizabeth will perform in the storefront area outside the Pantorium.