Resilient fans return to Country Thunder Saskatchewan despite hot, smoky weather
Country Thunder Saskatchewan has seen a large turnout during its four-day run, despite less than ideal weather conditions.
'We're having so much fun. I love it here. It's really hot out, though,' shared Ashlyn Duchek, one of the thousands who attended the festival's final day.
Even with scattered rainfall and smoky conditions, fans continued to stroll around the campgrounds, beer gardens and food court throughout the weekend.
'When I wake up in the morning it's really hot. I wish the wind was helping, but it's definitely hot,' Andie Downes added.
'It's been pretty hot, but as a whole, the festival has been really fun and all the performances have been really good,' added Downes' friend, Jasmine Klein.
Despite the muggy weather, Klein said the event has been fantastic thanks to the lineup of musicians – with Def Leppard set to take the stage Sunday evening.
'I think with their type of music, they can put on really good shows and it can be really fun even if you don't know the music,' she said.
'So, I'm excited for it.'
Organizers estimated this year's festival would attract around 20,000 fans over the course of its four-day run.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
27 minutes ago
- CTV News
‘Very unhealthy': climatologist David Phillips on Canada's summer air quality
Watch Environment Canada climatologist David Phillips explains how wildfires are impacting Canada's air quality this summer.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
‘120 entries'; Pride London Parade's grand finale of week-long Pride London Festival
The Pride London Festival in Victoria Park runs all day Saturday and Sunday. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) It's billed as 'London's most colourful day of the year.' The Pride London Parade begins Sunday at noon. 'We have 120 entries and we're anticipating between 6,000 to 8,000 people participating,' said Robyn Hodgson, president of Pride London Festival. 'It is the second largest pride parade in Ontario.' Sponsored by Canada Life, the parade will return to staging in the Western Fair District parking lot after being forced onto Queen's Ave due to construction the past couple of years. 071925 Drag performers Bow Dangles and Mz. Affra-Tighty read stories in Victoria Park on Saturday July 19, 2025. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) 'We're able to go from the fairgrounds, as we always have,' said Hodgson. 'We'll deviate onto Queen's Avenue and then come all the way over to Waterloo in front of City Hall on Dufferin and then arrive at the park and everybody can join back in our festivities.' Downtown London already has many streets closed due to construction, and Sunday afternoon there will be more closures for the annual Pride London Parade. The City of London says there will be temporary rolling road closures from 12p.m. to 4 p.m. Richmond Street from Central Avenue to Oxford Street will be closed 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are asking people to plan ahead. The Grand Marshal of the parade is Sista Patricia Derouin. The 72 year old is described as a 'fierce and beloved elder' who is know in the community as one of the Drag Story Time Guardians. 071925 Sista Patricia Derouin (right) will be the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Pride London parade. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) After the parade, the Festival will continue until the final act at 7 p.m. Sunday night. Saturday featured entertainment in the park, including Drag Storytime, Drag shows, a performance by the Original Kids Theatre, yoga and music. 'It's all about inclusivity,' said Hodgson. 'We are trying to be open, inclusive to all genders, all races, all sexualities. It is just about showing our appreciation for all members of our community.'
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Saint John ‘Toon Dojo' offers stress-free course on finer points of animation
A new dojo in Saint John, N.B., doesn't teach students how to chop through boards of wood with one mighty blow or how to land precise kicks on enemies, but it is aiming to give their fingers a workout. The 'Toon Dojo' is offering a new route for people to explore the craft of animation in a workshop-oriented format. 'Although college is a really good path for people, I wanted to offer a more accessible path,' said Brian Finlay. 'Very tiny classes with only four students per class. That just allows for one-on-one time and gives students time to put in the line mileage.' Finlay, who worked as an animator with Disney, is the founder of Drawn to It Studios, which has been involved in projects like the Saint John-based 'Ug Wug' film. He's taught animation at different levels for the last 20 years. 'I'm very passionate about the craft,' he said. 'I take it as seriously as you can take something that involves you drawing cartoons all day.' Finlay designed the program to provide an outlet for people to delve into animation without the rigorous demands of a college-level course. 'Level up without the stress of accomplishing specific things at certain times,' he said. 'None of that stress.' Brian Finlay Brian Finlay, who runs the Toon Dojo, is pictured. (Source: Brian Finlay) Toon Dojo is not just a name for the workshop; Finlay is incorporating elements of martial arts into his teaching philosophy. 'Students begin with white pencils and graduate with black pencil,' he said. 'They move from pencil colour to pencil colour until they reach the industry standard of entry level.' Finlay offers one key tip for everyone considering working in animation: Don't be afraid to fail. 'Everybody who gets into it, the hardest part is to forget what they think they know about drawing,' he said. 'A lot of students approach it like every line has to be perfect. They don't like using erasers. We try to deprogram that. The best way to get better is to fail.' The Toon Dojo will offer sessions for teenagers and adults starting in August at the studio's office space on Carleton Street. 'We're definitely starting small and humble,' Finlay said. 'The hope is to grow the classroom size by a few workstations. We don't want to grow too big because that can cut down on the one-on-one time. 'We hope it will be part of an animation industry growth in Saint John.' For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
