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Everything you carry with you at Saskatchewan’s biggest country music festival will be on display this summer.
On Monday, Country Thunder Saskatchewan announced a new bag policy for all of their shows across North America, including this July’s music festival in Craven.
The company is aligning its bag policy with those of the NFL and other major arenas and events — meaning all you can carry into the festival will be either in clear plastic bags or tiny purses.
Gerry Krochak with Country Thunder Music Festivals said it’s really an old policy being refined.
“The bag policy really isn’t anything new, but will be perceived as being new at this event,” he said.
Specifically, large backpacks, large purses, large camera bags and coolers are no longer permitted on Main Street or in the grandstand concert bowl area.
Fans are allowed to carry their belongings in clear plastic bags up to 14 inches by 17 inches by 6 inches, or to use standard one gallon disposable freezer bags, or carry clutch purses measuring 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches.
“For people that go to sporting events in large arenas and football stadiums, the clear plastic bag policy is kind of nothing new, but it’s something that maybe our fans in Canada have to get a little bit more used to,” Krochak said.
Krochak added fanny packs are also an option, but they will be subject to a search.
For those who have trouble tracking down one of the larger clear plastic bags, Krochak said they will have some available on site for purchase, but he insisted the goal isn’t to force people to spend more money.
“It’s a matter of reducing the amount of stuff that you’re bringing into the main areas,” he said, encouraging people to leave backpacks and coolers at their campsites.
When asked if this change in security policy was a result of the mass shooting at the Route 91 country music festival in Las Vegas last October, Krochak said yes and no.
“You always want to look at any large gathering and figure out things you can do better,” Krochak said. “It’s an opportunity and a reminder to refine your security measures and programs.”
Country Thunder Saskatchewan will take over the Craven valley from July 12-15. Headliners include Big & Rich, Dierks Bentley, Chris Young and Luke Bryan. Tickets are still available online.
—With files from 980 CJME’s Morning Show, Sam Maciag
