Craven businesses ready for influx of Country Thunder fans

Businesses in Craven are gearing up for the Country Thunder Saskatchewan music festival that’s to take place this week.

Many of the business operators are veterans when it comes to handling the large Country Thunder crowds, but for some, it’s their first year working with large crowds.

Bill Singh is the owner of the 641 Grill + Motel. Since taking over the business in February of 2021, he has never worked a Country Thunder weekend.

“I hope that we are going to be busy, and get some extra business out of them,” said Singh.

Singh said the previous owners warned him about how hectic Country Thunder weekend can be, but after a quiet time during the COVID-19 pandemic, Singh is thrilled to have larger crowds in the community.

“We are pretty excited,” said Singh. “(Sunday) night, I thought we would get more people dropping off some of their stuff. We are hoping there will be more people coming to bring their trailers and vehicles (Tuesday).”

This is the first year Country Thunder will be held in Saskatchewan since the pandemic closed the gates on country fans in 2020. Singh said it’s time for people to return to the community.

“Last year it wasn’t that busy at all,” said Singh. “I hope that there will be more business.”

Singh also wants to provide people with a safe ride home from the event. Bill’s Taxi began operating in Craven last year, and Singh said the company will provide people with a ride to and from Country Thunder.

“I don’t want to see anyone drink and drive,” said Singh.

Seeing as how it’s Singh’s first year running during Country Thunder, he said he’s preparing with more staff, fully stocked shelves and drinks filling the coolers.

“The grocery store and the liquor store here told me they run out of a lot of stuff,” said Singh. “A lot of beer and alcohol gets sold.”

While Singh’s motel does not have a bar, he said people are welcome to come and have a drink at the restaurant attached to the motel. There are different deals and specials on at the restaurant to accommodate the volume of people.

Just down the street, Cynthia Lukovszki is preparing for another year of Country Thunder. Lukovszki has owned the Craven Esso for 15 years.

“It’s nice to have it again. All the excitement and people in town is nice,” said Lukovszki.

After many editions of the music festival, Lukovszki says there are a few things she makes sure to have in stock.

“It’s quite busy,” said Lukovszki. “We do a lot of (business in) gas cans and propane, ice sales and cigarettes — that sort of thing.”

The crowds always keep workers on their toes, according to Lukovszki. More employees are scheduled to come into work for the weekend to help out.

After two years without Country Thunder, Lukovszki said there are pluses and minuses to having the festival back on just down the road.

“It’s less stressful not having it,” Lukovszki said, “but it does bring in extra income.”

Performances at Craven are to begin Thursday and run through Sunday.