Latest news with #CountryThunder
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
AGLC Announces Cannabis Welcome at Alberta Concerts and Festivals
Plantlife Cannabis Poised for a Busy Summer EDMONTON, AB, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - In another nationwide first, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) is expanding cannabis access at public events. Already the first and only province in Canada to permit cannabis sales at 18+ events, cannabis will soon be available at most concerts and festivals. "We see this as a natural evolution of where cannabis retail is headed," said Ian Scott, VP Operations, Plantlife Cannabis. "Festivals bring together a wide range of Albertans — and by operating in designated 18+ zones with transparency, education, and full compliance, we're showing how cannabis can responsibly exist in the same spaces as beer gardens or food trucks. We're proud to be leading this shift." What the New Policy Means "Effective immediately, cannabis store licensees may apply to AGLC for an extension of their licence to temporarily sell cannabis at events and festivals where minors are permitted. Sales shall only occur in designated areas of the event or festival where minors are prohibited." Until now, cannabis sales were restricted to adults-only (18+) events. Retailers could sell cannabis only with a temporary license extension from the AGLC, and sales could not occur within designated consumption areas. Under the updated rules: Cannabis may be sold at events where minors are present, if restricted to 18+ zones Consumption areas remain separate and 18+ only Only licensed Alberta retailers can apply for these special permits This change opens the door for a more inclusive, regulated cannabis presence at Alberta's top music and cultural festivals. Plantlife Cannabis, Alberta's fastest-growing cannabis retailer, is ready to meet the moment. With multiple major festivals on the summer calendar, Plantlife is positioned to be among the first to legally sell cannabis on-site under the new framework. "This is a huge step for the normalization of cannabis in Alberta," said Marcie Kiziak, President of Retail, Plantlife Cannabis. "We've been preparing behind the scenes, and our team is ready to operate responsibly, visibly, and in full compliance at a new kind of cultural event." Where Plantlife Is Showing Up This Summer Branded Graphic Plantlife will be present — and selling — at several major festivals under the new policy: Rockin' Thunder – Edmonton – July 11–12 Cannabis was sold on-site in an 18+ zone; minors permitted elsewhere on festival grounds. Country Thunder – Calgary – August 15–18 Cannabis sales on site in an 18+ zone; minors permitted elsewhere on festival grounds. "We're proud to share that this past weekend's festival marked a successful step forward in integrating legalized cannabis into the live music experience. Our on-site cannabis sales were handled with the highest standards of compliance and responsibility, working closely with regulators to ensure a safe and seamless guest experience," said Gerry Krochak, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Rockin' Thunder and Country Thunder."The feedback from festival goers was overwhelmingly positive — guests appreciated the convenience and atmosphere, and we saw respectful, responsible enjoyment throughout the weekend. We're excited about the future of enhancing festival culture in a thoughtful and progressive way. We're also happy to have this partnership lined up for our Country Thunder event in Calgary this August." "This was a historic moment — we're proud to be the first retailer in Canada to offer legal cannabis sales at an all-ages event. Through careful planning, designated consumption areas, and clear separation from minors, we demonstrated that cannabis can be safely and responsibly integrated into major live events. This sets a new benchmark for what's possible in the evolving entertainment and cannabis landscapes," said Scott. Great Outdoors Comedy Festival – Edmonton – Adults Only Returning for the second year as a trusted on-site cannabis vendor. "We're proud to partner with Plantlife Cannabis as our on-site retail partner. Their commitment to education, compliance, and responsible consumption sets the standard for cannabis retail at live events. They've created a safe and welcoming experience that aligns perfectly with the values of the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival ," said Mike Anderson, President Trixstar Entertainment, Great Outdoors Comedy Festival A First in Cannabis + Culture Integration Plantlife's approach to festival retail includes: Verified ID checks to enter retail zone extensions Branded but compliant signage inside retail zones Product education, not just transactions Partnerships with event organizers for safety and access planning "We're not just showing up to sell," said Scott. "We're there to educate, engage, and help cannabis feel like a normal, safe part of Alberta's cultural moment." Media Access & Interviews Press, content creators, and community partners are invited to: Visit the Plantlife booth at The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival for exclusive behind-the-scenes access Request interview from Plantlife team Request high-res photos, branding, and team bios Note on Compliance All sales and promotional activity are conducted in alignment with the Cannabis Act and AGLC regulations. No cannabis is sold or consumed in the presence of minors. Branded materials are factual, non-glamorized, and focused on responsible access.
CTV News
15-07-2025
- CTV News
Country Thunder Saskatchewan 2025 sees police respond to over 150 calls for service
An RCMP vehicle is parked beside a Saskatchewan Marshals vehicle near the festival grounds for Country Thunder Saskatchewan. (Courtesy: Saskatchewan RCMP) Police officers in and around this year's Country Thunder Saskatchewan festival in Craven were hard at work it seems – as the RCMP reports its members responded to a total of 156 calls for service. 'The sheer volume of people at events like this means that we expect more calls for service, and venue campgrounds mean we have a greatly increased population in the area. Saskatchewan RCMP plans extensively for this to help ensure everyone remains safe,' RCMP S/Sgt. Kent Ashworth said in a statement to CTV News. Over the course of the four-day event from July 10th – 13th, officers laid four criminal impaired driving charges, two assault charges and one mischief charge related to property damage inside the festival grounds. Police also issued 40 roadside driving suspensions. The RCMP weren't the only police force at the festival, as the newly formed Saskatchewan Marshals Service provided traffic control during the event. 'I would like to thank everyone who worked together to keep attendees of this event and local residents safe,' Ashworth added. This year's total marks a slight increase from previous years. In 2024, RCMP responded to 147 calls for service during the four-day festival. A total of 33 people were taken into custody, and six criminal code charges were laid that year. In 2023, police responded to 105 calls for service, taking 26 people into custody. This marked a decrease from the year previous, when 126 calls were recorded.
CTV News
15-07-2025
- CTV News
County Thunder Saskatchewan 2025 sees police respond to over 150 calls for service
An RCMP vehicle is parked beside a Saskatchewan Marshals vehicle near the festival grounds for Country Thunder Saskatchewan. (Courtesy: Saskatchewan RCMP) Police officers in and around this year's Country Thunder Saskatchewan festival in Craven were hard at work it seems – as the RCMP reports its members responded to a total of 156 calls for service. 'The sheer volume of people at events like this means that we expect more calls for service, and venue campgrounds mean we have a greatly increased population in the area. Saskatchewan RCMP plans extensively for this to help ensure everyone remains safe,' RCMP S/Sgt. Kent Ashworth said in a statement to CTV News. Over the course of the four-day event from July 10th – 13th, officers laid four criminal impaired driving charges, two assault charges and one mischief charge related to property damage inside the festival grounds. Police also issued 40 roadside driving suspensions. The RCMP weren't the only police force at the festival, as the newly formed Saskatchewan Marshals Service provided traffic control during the event. 'I would like to thank everyone who worked together to keep attendees of this event and local residents safe,' Ashworth added. This year's total marks a slight increase from previous years. In 2024, RCMP responded to 147 calls for service during the four-day festival. A total of 33 people were taken into custody, and six criminal code charges were laid that year. In 2023, police responded to 105 calls for service, taking 26 people into custody. This marked a decrease from the year previous, when 126 calls were recorded.
CTV News
14-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Resilient fans return to Country Thunder Saskatchewan despite hot, smoky weather
Fans pushed through not ideal weather patterns at Country Thunder Saskatchewan in Craven. (Sierra D'Souza Butts/CTV News) 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.
CTV News
12-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Country Thunder continues into second day
Regina Watch WATCH: Damian Smith has more from the second day of Country Thunder, with staff and volunteers making sure everything goes smoothly.
