A place where neighbours feel like family, wildlife roams freely and a deep sense of community that binds residents together.

With a population of 266 people, Craven is a hidden gem in Saskatchewan, known for its peaceful atmosphere and close-knit residents.

Living in a small-town setting also comes with unique encounters sometimes with wildlife. A recent visitor experienced this firsthand after wandering slightly into the Qu’Appelle Valley, admiring the quiet fields and spacious houses then got briefly chased by what appeared to be a mean-spirited dog.

To long-time residents, interactions with wildlife animals are simply a part of life. That moment pictured Craven perfectly as a place where nature and people coexist closely.

“Forty years ago, when I moved here, it didn’t take me long to know everybody,” said Longtime council member and long-time resident Rick Taylor, who moved to Craven in 1985 from Regina.

“I knew where everyone lived, who their kids were and most of them I knew their phone number by heart.”

Modernization, however, has challenged people commuting from small towns to the city or attracting a younger generation to stay in the city after education.

“I think it is going to die out. These days, with technology and job opportunities in the city, that draws people away,” said Taylor. “I would love to see more kids who grew up here stay in the community. That is why we have community parties and events for everyone to get together.”

Craven is known for hosting the popular Country Thunder festival, which excites to the community and temporarily increases the population from about 266 to over 20,000 for one week in July. Each year, events like these makes Craven unique.

Dayna Anderson, Craven’s new mayor, one of Saskatchewan’s youngest mayors at 35, described the event as a “commitment to inclusivity, transparency and collaboration that helps strengthen the bonds between our residents and ensures Craven continues to thrive as a close-knit, welcoming community.”

The community spirit does not stop at the community gatherings, but it also extends to local business workers as well.

“In times of need, people come together,” said Suzy Neter, a worker at Wolf’s General store. “When my daughter had a rare seizure disorder, one of our neighbours did a playerthon two years in a row to help us with funding because I was out of work at that period.”

It may be a small village, but for those who call it home, it represents something much bigger.

“Craven is more than just a place on the map It’s the kind of place where the calm of the prairies meets the joy of community gatherings,” said Anderson in an email.

While modern life may pull many towards the city, Craven residents have a deep appreciation for the town’s peacefulness and strong sense of community.

“If I won a lottery, I could move out of Craven and build myself a big house,” said Peter Foster, a 68-year-old resident in Craven.  “Aside from that no I would not leave the valley, it is quiet to live in and the cost of living is fairly okay.”