Wrestling, ‘slingshot’ ride among new events at Country Thunder

This year’s Country Thunder will be a rare chance to see one of the hottest stars in country music.

Chris Stapleton doesn’t perform at many festivals but he’s doing one in Craven.

“We get a little spoiled in our home province here … When you look at the history of who has played at this site, (we’ve had) everyone from Johnny Cash, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks,” Gerry Krochak, Country Thunder’s general manager, said during the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Monday. “I think Stapleton’s going to add to the legacy.

“It’s going to be a magical night.”

Stapleton is to take the main stage at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Other big acts that are to take the main stage include Dallas Smith, Jake Owen and Tim McGraw.

But it won’t just be music. Krochak said the festival has added professional wrestling, a beach party, a volleyball tournament that comes with up to $10,000 prize money and a “slingshot” amusement ride that has been popular at U.S. festivals.

“This year we concentrated on fun and bringing a few new attractions. It is called a festival so we need to do more than what’s on the main stage,” Krochak said.

Campgrounds are to open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

Over the past few years, Krochak said upgrades have been made to the campgrounds, including landscaping, upgraded washrooms and paving.

As well, SGI is offering free bus service from Regina and Moose Jaw on every day of the festival, from Thursday through Sunday.