From farm gathering to Saskatchewan festival tradition

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Since then, the festival has grown steadily. Butler said more than 850 people attended last year, with music fans travelling from across Saskatchewan. 

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This year’s festival runs July 24 to 26 near Loon Lake. Country artist Tyler Joe Miller headlines a lineup that also includes Blake Berglund, Lachlan Neville, Dirt Rich Band, Jordyn Pollard, Sparrow Blue, The Radiant, Beautiful Disasters, Northern Air and more. 

Butler said organizers try to introduce something new each year. One addition for 2026 is the Puppy Patch. 

“It’s a program made up for kids by kids,” he said. 

Children have helped plan activities including arts and crafts, giant games, volleyball, costume-making and a possible parade. 

Planning the festival is a year-round job, Butler said, with organizers focused on booking performers, fundraising, securing sponsorships and maintaining the grounds. 

“Honestly, the work never stops,” he said. “It’s 12 months out of the year.” 

Revenue from ticket sales is reinvested into the festival, including maintenance of the grounds and permanent infrastructure. The site features an old-time saloon, a permanent stage and covered theatre seating. 

Butler said he invested heavily in the grounds after selling the family farm, and the festival is still working to recover those costs while continuing to improve the site. 

“The whole idea of Dog Patch was to bring community together,” he said. “That old community spirit that used to be there … that’s what we’re trying to bring back.” 

The festival features country, rock, folk and bluegrass, and Butler said it remains one of the more affordable music festival options for the amount of entertainment it offers. 

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com