A blazing weekend forecast is greeting those attending the Country Thunder music festival in Craven.

Campers began flocking to the community, about 80 kilometres northeast of Moose Jaw, on Wednesday to set up for the country music event (formerly known as the Craven Country Jamboree).

Musical performances are slated to start Thursday - the same day Mother Nature is set to deliver another stretch of 30-plus degree days.  

Organizers are encouraging all who attend to do what they can to avoid suffering severe sunburns and heat stroke. 

"For people who are feeling dehydrated, we have medical staff on site that will be patrolling the grounds with things like water and Gatorade," said Country Thunder Marketing and Communications Manager Gerry Krochak. "Common sense goes a long way. Use sunscreen, find shade...be safe, be smart and it's going to be a great weekend."

As for some of the traditionally long lineups along highway 20 between Lumsden and Craven?  Country Thunder says they have new wristband technology that should expedite the process.

"We expect a pretty smooth entry into the grounds," said Krochak. There will be some peak times where it's going to be a bit busy but I don't think we can expect much in the way of heavy lineups."

Country superstars Blake Shelton and Keith Urban are among the headliners at the event. For more on the Country Thunder Festival, click here.