Craven will fall asleep to the sound of guitars and cowboy boots on Thursday. From July 10 to 13, the community of approximately 260 inhabitants just north-west of Regina is about to welcome more than 25,000 people who will vibrate to the rhythm of the biggest names on the country scene in the country.
The love story took shape in 1983 under the name of Big Valley Jamboree. After many transformations and its integration into Country Thunderthe musical event now exceeds Canadian borders, with five festivals across North America.
This year, country music lovers will be able to dance to the sounds of Def Leppard, Jason Aldean et Bailey Zimmerman
The story of the Country Thunder festival, in Saskatchewan, is dotted with ups and downs. (Archives photo)
Photo : Radio-Canada
The president and chief executive officer of the festival, Troy Vollhoffer, says that to get to this level of experience, it took him a lot of patience, in an interview with the balado of CBCThis is Saskatchewan
In the 1980s, when he was not yet in his twenties, he helped set up the scenes of the event, learning behind the scenes from top to bottom.
At the age of 20, after obtaining a bonus as a Pittsburgh Penguins player, he invested part of this sum to build a career in the music industry.
It was in the 2000s that Troy full-rising will take the queens of the festival.
In 2000, the festival attempted a failed turn to rock by opting for the name Rock ‘N The Valleyabandoning the country in order to increase its profitability.
Following this failure, Troy full-rising saw an opportunity to bring the festival back to its roots. He became the promoter of Craven Country in 2005 and scored the festival with Tim McGraw as headliner.
Tim McGraw, one of the biggest stars in country music, helped strengthen the reputation of the Country Thunder festival. (Archives photo)
Photo : Festival western de Saint-Tite
At the time, Tim McGraw was the biggest name in country music
recalls Mr. Loftoffering a decisive turning point for the future of the festival.
It was Craven’s rebirth.
Tens of millions of dollars invested
In 20 years, Mr. Vollhffer renamed the festival Country Thunder and extended it to Alberta, Florida, Wisconsin and Arizona. He also holds the Big Valley Jamboree In Atlanta and also launches a new festival in Edmonton named Rockin ‘Thunder the same weekend of Country Thunder, And a sacrich achor.
About $ 22, 23 million dollars each year for talents. So we’re a big player
he says. He adds that it is now stars who call him to be part of the festival, and no longer the opposite.
American musicians Morgan Wallen and Hardy at the Country Thunder 2022 music festival in Craven, Saskatchewan.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Sam Maciag
M. Loft said it is happy to give people the privilege of listening to music where it has grown and where its roots are still in Saskatchewan.
