177 calls responded to during Craven’s Country Thunder Music Festival weekend

July 13, 2026 - Craven, Saskatchewan
From: Saskatchewan RCMP

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Saskatchewan RCMP responded to 177 calls for service, laying three Criminal Code charges and 20 provincial charges, over the Country Thunder Music Festival weekend from July 9 to July 13, 2026.

Saskatchewan RCMP were present in the Craven area responding to calls for service within the festival grounds. Calls for service included, but are not limited to:

• 28 Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act offences; 
• 23 calls for disturbing the peace/causing a disturbance;
• 11 reports of mischief, damage to or obstruct enjoyment of property;
• five reports of a theft under $5,000 (ex. coolers, lawn chairs, a theft from a merchandise booth); and 
• two reports of an assault, one of which resulted in a criminal charge.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, the Saskatchewan RCMP conducted a proactive traffic initiative in partnership with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). Fifty-four individuals received roadside suspensions for consuming alcohol or drugs before driving (42 for alcohol and 12 for drugs) These suspensions are included in the 177 calls for service. Two individuals were also charged for operation of a motor vehicle while impaired.  

Officers with Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services conducted two additional check-stops at entrances to the festival grounds. More than 1,000 vehicles drivers were checked in total. Additionally, officers issued 460 Traffic Safety Act tickets and written warnings in and around the Craven area.

“This was a successful weekend thanks to the cooperation of festival-goers, organizers, volunteers, emergency services and all partners,” says S/Sgt. Evan Gordon with Saskatchewan RCMP. “Large-scale events like Country Thunder require a collective commitment to safety, and largely speaking, we saw that throughout the weekend.”