The CP Holiday Train entered Swift Current last night, bringing holiday cheer and entertainment with it.

The mainstay of holiday culture across Canada started its journey at Mohawk Reserve, Que. on November 25, and is making its way to its final destination of Port Coquitlam, B.C. on December 18.

A short concert was performed as the train with a deployable stage stopped in Swift Current.

A performer on the train was a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, Terri Clark.

The event was put on in the city with the Swift Current Salvation Army, who set up booths for taking in donations and handing out hot chocolate.

Don Grad, a major from the Swift Current Salvation Army, said that they anticipated the crowds to be large this year, which prompted more preparation for the event.

"We knew it was going to be a big crowd so we came a little bit earlier than normal so we could get parked before there were any crowds, you know, the whole safety thing, and the hot chocolate is out and being served already, I think there's a lot of anticipation for when the train comes through."

A cheque from CP Rail was also presented to the Swift Current Salvation Army at the concert for $5,500.

According to Grad, all of the donations that they receive add up.

"Just those little bits, whether it's a two dollar coin in the kettle, or a bag full of groceries, or a cheque for $5,000, each year it all adds up to create (solutions to) the needs that we have, and which throughout the year we share with the community of course."

Grad said that the big crowds might have been due to the train coming to the city at night, something that hasn't occurred in Swift Current in recent years.

Talking about the large crowd which was gathering next to the train track where the Christmas Train was scheduled to arrive, Grad said that Swift Current's spirit was shining through.

"Well I think it reflects well for the Salvation Army, but I think it reflects well for the community spirit here."

The train's appearance also coincides with Salvation Army Week - Giving Hope Today which started last Sunday.