Big Valley Jamboree

History

Big Valley Jamboree was launched in 1992 by the owners/operators of the Big Valley Jamboree held in Craven, Saskatchewan (now known as Country Thunder Saskatchewan), who wanted to host a second festival in Alberta; Big Valley, Alberta was chosen as the venue, with the name and geography factoring into the decision. In September 1992, a rock concert headlined by Bryan Adams was held; however, the festival was hampered by an early snowfall and a lack of services and amenities, so the following spring, promoters searched for a new venue. At the same time, organizers of the Camrose Regional Exhibition (CRE) were looking to revive the annual summer fair and were approached by promoters about taking over the annual fair weekend. Ultimately, the CRE board of directors voted to cancel the fair in favour of hosting Big Valley Jamboree, rebranded as a country music festival, to be held during the 1993 August long weekend.

2009 stage collapse

On August 1, 2009, a large storm with winds from 60 to 100 kilometres per hour (37 to 62 mph) caused the collapse of the main stage, killing one person and injuring at least fifteen others, four critically. Producers of the Jamboree estimated that seventy-five people were treated for injuries. The storm hit while Billy Currington was on stage. Currington and his bass guitarist were injured. Actor and musician Kevin Costner was scheduled to play later and became trapped under the stage when it collapsed. Organizers had just postponed the concert and were in the process of clearing spectators from the concert area, when a storm front hit, causing the collapse. Environment Canada had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Camrose area earlier; however, the organizers were not advised until just before the storm hit and thus did not alert concertgoers. The final day of the festival was cancelled.