Cowboy Clause and Wild West Christas Fest mark the start of the Christmas season

Kids and parents thronged downtown Ovando Nov. 25 as they waited for the arrival of Cowboy Claus, the highlight of The Wild West Christmas Fest.

"When Cowboy Claus was coming up and I looked behind me and the mass of children...thats why I do this thing," said Kathy Schoendoerfer. It's Cowboy Claus and the kids and the smiles."

Cowboy Claus - said to be Santa's cousin who helps out around the...