Craven jamboree a colossal show

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If you were to ask people where Craven, Saskatchewan is about 15 months ago, most would have likely had a blank or quizzical expression on their faces. Not so today.

In mid-July, Craven came alive! The tiny village of 206 souls has one hotel, one service station, and a few stores. It is picturesque nestled in the natural beauty of the Qu'Appelle Valley's grassy hills and serenity.

Last weekend, July 18-20, Craven burst at the seams when 70,000 dedicated country music fans jammed the Big Valley Jamboree campgrounds to capacity. It fast became an overnight tent city and by Thursday evening, had a population that outstripped that of the city of Moose Jaw. A number of music fans estimated a far larger crowd than the 60,000 peak that was achieved in '85.

Father Lucien Larre, the mastermind behind the colossal show, found it "mind boggling." He blamed the burgeoning attendance on good PR and "word of mouth."

The numbers increased to outdo last year, difficulties became evident in terms of space, facilities and technical problems.

Larre knows he'll have to do some homework for future extravaganzas of this nature. Additional camping, facilities, parking and access roads will undoubtedly be a major concern. As well, ticket sales may have to be limited. Larre acknowledged the growth factor saying, "you reach a saturation point where it's not feasible to make it any bigger.'