CRAVEN — Saskatchewan’s most popular country music festival is largely influenced by fans, according to organizers.
“We are always listening to what the fans have to say, anything from the artists they want to see, to the experience that they want to have,” said Country Thunder Music Festival Marketing Manager Nikki Harris.
The headliners for this year’s show are Jon Pardi, Friday, Tim McGraw, Saturday, and Keith Urban, Sunday.
“There’s a lot of buzz about Tim McGraw because he was here in 2019 and couldn’t play because of a storm,” Harris said.
She says requests by patrons influences their choice of headline acts. And organizers plan to make an announcement about next year’s lineup at the festival site on Saturday.
“With our desire to bring the best talent to Saskatchewan, we are already looking at 2024,” she said.
The Casino Regina Sask. Music Songwriters' Showcase will take place twice a day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Jess Moskaluke, Jay Semko of the Northern Pikes, Forrest Eaglespeaker of the North Sound, and Duane Steele are some of the artists taking part.
“Songwriters sit with just them and their guitars and they break down the songs that they’ve written for themselves and for others (artists) and the stories behind the songs then perform a little bit of them,” she said.
Hypnotist Corrie J and comedians Williams and Ree will perform during the day.
Fans can also take in Canadian Wrestling Elite and a Rough Riders Tailgate Party with the football game on the big screen on Saturday. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are joining the party with a special show Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
Harris says attendance number could exceed last year. In 2022, the site was near capacity within excess of 20,000 attendees. Country Thunder Saskatchewan has no numbers to report from the previous year.
“Last year was a massive year for us given the return from the pandemic,” said Harris. “We’re expecting a big crowd and lots of fun this weekend.”
Organizers say weekend and single-day entrance passes and parking passes are available.
The live music in the beer gardens will be provided by local artists.
Harris says improvements to the grounds include new sod laid in the main concert bowl for dancing.
SGI is sponsoring transportation from Regina and Moose Jaw to the festival grounds. Schedules are on the website.
