Despite Sunday night's thunder and lightning, the return of Boots and Hearts was a booming success after a two-year absence due to the pandemic.
Not even torrential rain, high winds, and plenty of lightning could keep headliner Shania Twain away from the main stage at Burl's Creek on Sunday night.
Organizers announced at approximately 8:30 p.m. that the grounds needed to be evacuated immediately due to a dangerous storm system that arrived shortly after the announcement, sending thousands rushing for the exits and to the safety of their cars and any other protected haven they could find.
After about an hour of delay due to the weather, the sky cleared, fans returned, and the Canadian queen of country music wowed the drenched crowd with all her hits over the course of an energetic 90-minute set.
For many, the rain was almost a welcome sight after two days of 30-plus degree heat that baked the concert site and the campground areas.
The day began with spirited performances by Canadian artists The Redhill Valleys, Five Roses, Robyn Ottolini, and many more.
Canadian singer and guitar player Lindsay Ell gave an especially great performance while deftly wielding her Fender guitar to the delight of the crowd, before giving way to the headliner, Shania Twain.
The festival may have broken the attendance record for a Sunday. There were reports that more than 50,000 country music fans jammed into the concert venue between Orillia and Barrie, but this could not be confirmed in time for publication of this story.
