The holidays seem to be in full swing in the town of Maple Creek, as an annual Christmas tradition continued once again this year.

Cowtown Christmas brought together members of the community on Thursday to participate in activities which feature what the town has to offer its residents.

This year's Cowtown Christmas had open houses at the businesses in the town, horse-drawn wagon rides, and of course, Santa Clause.

Kelli Dee Floral was one such company who held an open house on Thursday, and store owner Nola Sanderson said that the event acted as a kickoff for their Christmas business season.

"Downtown's buzzing, even today (Friday), it's extra busy, you know, people kind of missed it but they know everybody's got their stores all decorated for Christmas, so we have a busy time from now to Christmas."

Sanderson said that while she isn't sure what kind of economic benefit the day has on her business, she looks forward to it every year.

Looking past the purely business aspect of the event, Sanderson explained that she enjoyed being able to experience the town in this way near Christmas.

"Cowtown Christmas is just a fun day and evening, it goes on into the evening with the sleigh rides, and the fires downtown, and Santa visiting, it's just a really nice community event."

Coffee shops and eateries sold food and drink, and there was also a food drive put on by the Maple Creek Fire Department.