After a few years away due to the pandemic, Country Thunder is back in business, starting this afternoon.

Once the gates open today, the country music will be coming through the Qu’Appelle Valley near Craven for the first time since 2019.

Megan Benoit, manager of social and digital marketing for Country Thunder, said it’s been tough, not having live festivals in Canada.

“Everything was shut down for so long and then last summer we saw a lot of American events happening and it was a little bitter to watch below the border and see that happening,” she said. “So to be back it feels like a family reunion. This is our hometown show. It just feels good to be back and to bring live music to Saskatchewan.”

After not being able to have a live Country Thunder in Saskatchewan for the last two years, fans have been waiting with anticipation for the festival.

“Tickets have been selling really well,” Benoit said. “People I think have been locked up for so long and so they’re just ready to let loose and have fun. We’ve been lucky the fans have responded the way they have. They’ve been just as excited as we are.”

Since the pandemic started, people have been dreaming about the music, the big stars and the party atmosphere.

Chad Brownlee will hit the stage at 10 tonight with a kickoff party in the beer gardens with Lindsay Ell and Lee Brice set to headline tomorrow night. Saturday has Hardy and Morgan Wallen in the evening slots, while Sunday Lauren Alaina will be in the 7:30 slot while Blake Shelton closes the festival.