RCMP trying to keep Craven "safe"

There was some rowdiness on the first full day of Craven for RCMP, but nothing Mounties couldn’t handle.

A total of 73 traffic tickets were issued. Three were charged with impaired driving, while one person was charged for assault with a weapon. However, no injuries were reported.

Police are dealing with an area that will see an estimated influx of 20,000 people over the four days of the jamboree. Inspector Ted Munro emphasized how their main priority is keeping people safe.

“Reach out. Our members are willing to help you. The key here is again, safety, safety and safety,” he said.

Officers are patrolling in and around the Craven site 24 hours a day Munro explained, with roughly 90 officers working at any given time. He reminded campers if they encounter an emergency to call 911. If it’s not a life-threatening emergency, call 306-310-RCMP. Munro also highlighted the importance of knowing your location within the campground, enough to describe landmarks around you.

Main Stage Opens

Set-up work is now mainly complete at Craven. The main stage opened at 2:30 p.m. Friday. Zac Brown Band will headline Friday night, Alabama performs Saturday night and Eric Church takes the stage Sunday.

Some areas of the campground were wet and mucky, so organizers made the decision to move people.

“We had to relocate some of our campers because of the conditions but everyone has done so in an easy fashion,” said the festival’s Kim Blevins.

She insisted it will only be a matter of time before things dry out, provided the sky doesn’t open up again.

“It doesn’t take long. A little sun, a little wind and this will be hard as rock.”

Tickets are still available at cravencountryjamboree.com or they can be purchased right at the gate.