Inclement weather was not enough to dampen the spirits of the world’s greatest country music fans last night.
“It’s always disappointing for fans and our festival staff when severe weather results in an artist cancellation,” General Manager, Kim Blevins, says of Tim McGraw not being able to take the stage due to lightning, high winds and rain on Saturday night. “I want to thank everyone from EMS, security personnel, the RCMP our on-site staff and especially our fans following concert bowl evacuation protocol.
“Leave it to people from Saskatchewan to take care of each other in a tough situation.”
McGraw and his band were ready to take the stage once the storm had passed by 11:15 p.m., but badly damaged gear and instruments made a late Saturday night performance impossible.
The veteran country star posted a special message to Saskatchewan Country Thunder fans on Sunday morning, as he and his band prepared to close out the Calgary Stampede on Sunday night.
And now . . . it’s on with the show!
Due to hot temperatures and a light breeze in the Craven Valley, the Country Thunder site is drying up nicely as fans file in anticipation of Chris Stapleton, Steve Earle & The Dukes, The Road Hammers, Jimmie Allen and a festival-closing set in the beer gardens from the Hunter Brothers.
Although the festival site and day parking are far drier than perhaps expected, fans commuting from Regina are strongly encouraged to use the SGI Safe Ride program. Departing from Southland, Northgate and Victoria Square malls, the number of buses and frequency with be increased throughout the day. Details and schedules at countrythunder.com
Single-day tickets are still available by visiting countrythunder.com, at the gate or at all Saskatchewan Lammle’s, Prairie Mobile and Urban Cellars locations. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all @countrythunder. Don’t forget to download the app – loaded with festival information, schedules and more.
Country Thunder Music Festivals has a 15-year history which boasts five other major multi-day events in North America. The organization also hosts festivals in Florida, Arizona, Wisconsin, Alberta and Iowa.
