Throwback to Trick or Treat Street at Regis University
Lily Berzoza, Staff Videographer
Last October, Regis University hosted it’s annual holiday event, Trick or Treat Street. This event gives kids and their families a chance to dress up, walk the campus, and safely go Trick or Treating on the university’s grounds. Many clubs and organizations, including The Highlander, hosted tables filled with games, toys and plenty of treats.
Lily Berzoza, Staff Videographer
Last October, Regis University hosted it’s annual holiday event, Trick or Treat Street. This event gives kids and their families a chance to dress up, walk the campus, and safely go Trick or Treating on the university’s grounds. Many clubs and organizations, including The Highlander, hosted tables filled with games, toys and plenty of treats.
A Review of Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides
Austin Price, Editor in Chief
Throughout the month of December, when our overly commercialized world is focused on gift giving and card signing, many local establishments thrive off the classic Christmas carols and local legends that share the childlike joy of traditional holiday rituals. Business is fueled by tourists looking to reignite their young innocence and hope for the magic in the world that cannot be seen but can always be experienced. One of these establishments is a prime example of the possession of holiday magic, and the mystifying influence it can have on oneself. Boasting the classic Christmas activity, and signature snowy style of the Rocky Mountains is Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides.
Austin Price, Editor in Chief
Throughout the month of December, when our overly commercialized world is focused on gift giving and card signing, many local establishments thrive off the classic Christmas carols and local legends that share the childlike joy of traditional holiday rituals. Business is fueled by tourists looking to reignite their young innocence and hope for the magic in the world that cannot be seen but can always be experienced. One of these establishments is a prime example of the possession of holiday magic, and the mystifying influence it can have on oneself. Boasting the classic Christmas activity, and signature snowy style of the Rocky Mountains is Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides.
Two beautiful horses, Barb and Sue, await the guests that they will pull around the property. Photo by Austin Price
Located at 700 Honey Bee Place, home of Elk Trace Bed & Breakfast, in a secluded haven of pine trees and snowy paths is Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides. Marked by the large horse barns, and unofficial greeter, a young pup, Buckaroos is a country classic, mountain manifestation of innocence, excitement, recreation, and community.
A young border collie welcomes guests and alerts his owners of the arrival of customers. Photo by Austin Price
Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides offers a plethora of standout qualities, combining its commercial prospect with the iconic feel of family, and the irreplaceable connection formed by holiday cheer. Upon customer arrival, the founder and owner of the company, Buck himself, tours guests around the property, and introduces them to the various animals that live there. With a classic cowboy attitude, open approach, and encouraging tone, Buck guides all guests throughout the barn, allowing them to do a little meet and greet with the true stars of the show, the horses.
The stables home the horses of the company, giving them a warm place to earn treats from guests. Photo by Austin Price
As visitors arrive, Buck encourages them to meet the horses, take photos that will serve as perfect Christmas cards, and enjoy delicious cups of hot chocolate and apple cider. Once the full group of riders had successfully gathered, we loaded up into the horse drawn wagon, and began our sleigh ride, taking us on a journey through the property.
Buck offers guests the chance to feed and pet the horses. Photo by Lucas Perez
As Barb and Sue, our working horses for the evening, began to pull the sleigh, Buck regaled us with local legends, and Christmas miracles, all set in the beautiful scenery of the Rocky Mountains. The ride throughout the property was serene, and Barb and Sue, two strong sisters, pulled us through the dirt, keeping us alert with the icy cold air. Buck shared with us the story of how his company came to be, and how the business was built by both him and his horses.
Buck started the development of Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides in 2020, right during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. For obvious reasons, this timing made his company’s premiere a challenge. However, Buck and his horses built his organization successfully. All of Buck’s horses are working horses, meaning they need to stay busy to stay happy. And so, Buck used the enthusiastic labor of his horses to pull supplies, start construction, and give the rundown property a reboot it deserved.
Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides is unique in the fact that its horses are rescues and are related. With a set of brothers and a set of sisters, Buck can rely on the intelligence and teamwork of his horses to keep his visitors safe and his audience happy.
The sleigh ride around the property lasted around an hour, giving guests the perfect chance to admire the Colorado sunset, as the darkness enveloped the mountains. Barb and Sue kept a steady pace throughout most of the ride. They took us through different fields, hidden passageways, and through the forest, decorated with twinkly lights to reflect the upcoming holiday. As we rode, Buck toured us through the property, telling us tales of mountain lore and historic moments. The ride was comfortable. The relationship between the horses and Buck’s upbeat attitude gave the experience an air of familiarity, making all the guests feel at home.
As the ride was coming to an end, and our magical moment was coming to a close, Buck had one more trick up his sleeve. The end of our ride faced a large uphill journey, which seemed to be an obstacle that would slow us down. However, Barb and Sue, our mighty beasts leading the tour, had no problem tackling the steep hill with power and thrust. The horses quickly turned their leisurely walk into a brisk trot, nearly a gallop as they took us up the hill. This fast-paced ride through the mountains left me with a crazy grin on my face, and my nose frozen by the cold air blowing into us.
As we reached the peak of the hill, the horses slowed down their pace and brought us back to the warm stable that served as the starting point for the journey. We exited the carriage, and Buck supplied us with treats to give Barb and Sue, to congratulate them on a job well done. With a heartwarming smile and a firm handshake, Buck bid his farewell and wished us the best. As I left the carriage, I knew something special had happened. I felt euphorically happy, and my usual sense of unending anxiety was momentarily gone. It was magic in its purest form for me.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday themed activity or have a need for an adrenaline rush through an adventure, Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides is the perfect place to make memories and experience the signature style of an old-fashioned Christmas celebration. I highly recommend Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides for anyone looking for an incredible evening with beautiful creatures and exquisite scenery. This experience is sure to leave you with cheer in your spirit, and hope in your heart.
The History of Trick or Treating and the Wearing of Costumes: Part 3 of Haunted Histories and Spooky Mysteries
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
Trick or treating and wearing costumes are key parts of Halloween. Originating from Ireland and Scotland, young people would participate in an activity called “guising”. The word “guising” comes from the word “disguising”. This is when they would dress up in costumes and go around asking neighbors for fruit, coins, and nuts as “treats” in exchange for their “tricks” which consisted of singing, comedy, etc. This has led to the huge cultural phenomenon we know today, commonly called “Trick or Treating”.
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
Trick or treating and wearing costumes are key parts of Halloween. Originating from Ireland and Scotland, young people would participate in an activity called “guising”. The word “guising” comes from the word “disguising”. This is when they would dress up in costumes and go around asking neighbors for fruit, coins, and nuts as “treats” in exchange for their “tricks” which consisted of singing, comedy, etc. This has led to the huge cultural phenomenon we know today, commonly called “Trick or Treating”.
The idea of donning costumes comes from religious beliefs. The people believed that the gods would reveal themselves to humans during this holiday, and if they wore disguises, the ghouls would mistake them as one of their kind. In North America, this evolved into a yearly tradition as it was entirely embraced. With the growth of pop culture came the change of Halloween costumes. Costumes were always meant to be scary but with the boom of new media, people wanted to dress up like those they idolized such as superheroes, celebrities or pop stars. Today, we dress up as idols, cartoon characters, horror movie characters, and other fantasy creatures. Through this tradition of playing dress up, Halloween gives one night of the year for people to be whoever they want!
The History of Pumpkin Carving: Part 2 of Haunted Histories and Spooky Mysteries
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
Pumpkin carving is a tradition a lot of us take part in during the time of Halloween. However, many of us do not know the true history behind this odd and long lasting tradition. Pumpkin carving derives from a story brought over by Irish immigrants about a man named “Stingy Jack”.
Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer
Pumpkin carving is a tradition a lot of us take part in during the time of Halloween. However, many of us do not know the true history behind this odd and long lasting tradition. Pumpkin carving derives from a story brought over by Irish immigrants about a man named “Stingy Jack”.
The story says that “Stingy Jack” tricked the devil numerous times, and even made the devil promise to not take his soul after he died. The devil honored this deal, but Jack could not enter heaven. So, the devil sent Jack on his journey through the dark with a burning coal to light his path. He put this coal into a turnip he was eating and has continued to wander the Earth. In remembrance and recognition of this story, children would put luminated coal in whatever vegetable they could find, with the intention of frightening Jack’s soul away. These vegetables were symbols of protection from the tale of the man not quite dead, and not quite alive. These lighting devices were later known as Jack-O Lanterns.
When an influx of Irish immigrants came to North America, they found that pumpkins were a better fit for carving compared to their usual beets and potatoes. Pumpkin carving has been around since the 1800s and continues to be a staple in Halloween festivities.
Heidi Klum’s Top Halloween Costumes
Gabriella Sandoval, Staff Writer
From a human cadaver, to a golden alien, to Fiona from Shrek, to a giant worm, celebrity star Heidi Klum is known for her innovative and thrilling Halloween costumes. Each year is the infamous annual Halloween party hosted by Heidi, in which she showcases her extraordinary costumes.
Gabriella Sandoval, Staff Writer
From a human cadaver, to a golden alien, to Fiona from Shrek, to a giant worm, celebrity star Heidi Klum is known for her innovative and thrilling Halloween costumes. Each year is the infamous annual Halloween party hosted by Heidi, in which she showcases her extraordinary costumes.
After a thorough review, I have determined a list of Heidi Klum’s top costume choices. They are as follows:
1. Pretty Peacock - debuted in 2023
Talk about going over the top! Heidi appeared as a giant peacock for her 2023 Halloween party costume which included some of her team members dressed up as the large tail.
2. Inside Out - debuted in 2011
Heidi dressed up in a full head-to-toe bodysuit as a human body, displaying the inner workings of the body at her 2011 Halloween party. Further additions to her costume showcase men dressed as surgeons in blood covered lab coats, wheeling her out on a gurney.
3. Do the Robot - debuted in 2010
Heidi decided to take it “back to the future” by arriving at her 2010 Halloween party as a “Towering Robot” entirely covered in purple latex with stilts that added dramatic height. Imagine walking in those shoes!
4. Princess Fiona / Ogre - debuted in 2018
Completely unrecognizable underneath the heavy makeup, Heidi revealed herself as the one and only Princess Fiona from “Shrek” at her 2018 Halloween party. The costume also called for prosthetics which included the ears, hands, and feet.
5. Wacky Worm - debuted in 2022
Taking a more bizarre turn in a life-sized worm costume, Heidi unveiled herself as a massive worm for her 2022 Halloween party. What other person can say that they’ve dressed up as a human-sized invertebrate?!
6. An Homage to MJ - debuted in 2017
Heidi appeared as the werecat from Michael Jackson’s infamous “Thriller” music video at her 2017 Halloween party. The detailed attire included a letterman jacket, open plaid shirt, rolled up jeans, and loafers with ankle socks was accompanied by a prosthetic face, body, and hands.
7. Beautiful Butterfly - debuted in 2014
Forget a retail store version of an insect, Heidi decided to initiate her own model of a life-sized butterfly for her 2014 Halloween party. The costume consisted of a fully painted bodysuit and body paint with wings that spanned out longer than her body. Completed with handmade antennas and compound eyes, it’s safe to say that Heidi really turned eyes with this compelling look.
8. Lady Godiva and her Mighty Steed - debuted in 2001
Talk about commitment to a costume! Heidi displayed herself as Lady Godiva for her 2001 Halloween party that included an epic entrance of her arriving on horseback wearing a floor-length blonde wig. The costume was completed with a touch of blood at her mouth and the sparking white bodysuit.
If you haven’t quite yet decided what to be for Halloween, drawing inspiration from Heidi Klum herself wouldn’t be too bad of an idea. Let us all enjoy the season of fall, pumpkins, and spookiness!
Horror Movie Royalty: Iconic Scream Queens
Austin Price, Editor in Chief
Horror movies are an essential part of enjoying the Spooky Season. As a self-proclaimed Spooky Season enthusiast, I have amassed a collection of favorite freaky films and Halloween features. A common trend in a lot of my favorite scary movies is the consistent casting and return of pop culture royalty. Many Halloween films and horror movies rely on the same actresses to portray victims of scary stories and sinister situations. These films often feature this actress as the heroine of the story, mainly because she survives until the end. While their valiant finish is notable, these lead actresses have gained a reputation for their infamous and iconic vocals. These women are the Scream Queens.
Austin Price, Editor in Chief
Horror movies are an essential part of enjoying the Spooky Season. As a self-proclaimed Spooky Season enthusiast, I have amassed a collection of favorite freaky films and Halloween features. A common trend in a lot of my favorite scary movies is the consistent casting and return of pop culture royalty. Many Halloween films and horror movies rely on the same actresses to portray victims of scary stories and sinister situations. These films often feature this actress as the heroine of the story, mainly because she survives until the end. While their valiant finish is notable, these lead actresses have gained a reputation for their infamous and iconic vocals. These women are the Scream Queens.
A Scream Queen is an actress who plays a prominent role in a horror film, either as a main character or through recurring roles. The term is often used to describe actresses who are known for being frightened or attacked in their roles, as their characters face scary situations. These women are often portrayed as attractive, smart, unassuming and naive girls, playing into the damsel in distress trope. Scream Queens are prominent and influential in horror films, often leaving iconic performances and unforgettable sounds.
Fay Wray was a Canadian American actress who gained prominence in the 1930s. Through an acting career that spanned nearly six decades, Wray attained international recognition as an actress in horror films. Wray is best known for starring as Ann Darrow in the 1933 film King Kong. This performance crowned her with the title of the original Scream Queen.
While there were several other designated Scream Queens between the 1930s and the 1950s, I’d like to give a special shout out to a true horror heroine, Janet Leigh. Janet Leigh was an American actress and author, with her most notable role as that of Marion Crane. Marion was the so-called damsel in distress in Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary horror film Psycho, released in 1960. The role scored her the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that year.
I guess the ability to release intense, blood curdling screams on command runs in the family because our next legendary scream queen is Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh’s daughter. Curtis took after her mother from the very start of her career. In 1978, Jamie starred in her first film, Halloween, portraying Laurie Strode. This performance declared her as “the ultimate Scream Queen,”. The mother-daughter duo of Scream Queens took their work to the next level by starring together in the 1980 horror film, The Fog, and the 1998 film, Halloween H20: 20 years later.
Our next Scream Queen dominates the scary screen from the early 2000s into the 2010s. Danielle Harris is an American actress that mastered the art of Returning Scream Queen in a plethora of films. Her roles are prominent in multiple horror films, including four entries in the Halloween franchise: Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) and Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) as Jamie Lloyd and Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009) as Annie Brackett. With her continued popularity and frequent role reprisals, Danielle was officially inducted into the internationally distributed American horror film fan magazine, Fangoria.
To finish up our Scream Queen tribute, I’d like to recognize our current reigning Scream Queen, Jenna Ortega. A former Disney Channel actress, Ortega was announced as an official Scream Queen for her starring roles in the slasher films X and Scream, both of which premiered in 2022. Ortega’s Scream Queen status continues to stick as she reprised her Scream role for the sequel, Scream VI, released in 2023. Personally, I think Jenna Ortega could be the leading Scream Queen for the 2020s, and maybe into the 2030s, based on her range and immense level of talent.
Halloween films and scary movies would be incomplete without these extraordinary women, facing nightmarish situations. As pop culture continues to adapt, Scream Queens are beginning to be less damsel in distress, and more strong, independent woman fighting off monsters. Personally, I’m excited to see this transition and to witness the up-and-coming Scream Queens behind this new narrative.