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.

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.  

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.  

Click here to learn more about Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides

The Beauty of Cherry Creek Reservoir

Alina Hussaini, Staff Photographer 

In the Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, Colorado, the Cherry Creek Reservoir is located. It is at the confluence of Cherry Creek and Cottonwood Creek, southeast of Denver. The reservoir is created by the Cherry Creek Dam, and was initially designed for flood control. Nowadays, many recreational activities are hosted by the park, attracting tourists and locals alike. 

The leaves signal the change of seasons through the onset of fall colors in the Cherry Creek Reservoir. Photo by Alina Hussaini

Brilliant blue waters glisten like crystals in the Cherry Creek Reservoir. Photo by Alina Hussaini

The setting sun casts shadows on the road to the Cherry Creek Reservoir. Photo by Alina Hussaini

Waves roll over rocks on the edge of the Cherry Creek Reservoir. Photo by Alina Hussaini

The sun peeks over the hill at Cherry Creek Reservoir. Photo by Alina Hussaini

A leafy green plant interrupts the darkness of the evening. Photo by Alina Hussaini

Halloween Around the World: Part 1 of Haunted Histories and Spooky Mysteries

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer 

Have you ever wondered how other countries celebrate Halloween? Below, I will tell you how Brazil, South Korea, Haiti, England, and Russia celebrate this holiday. 

Brazil

In Brazil, they call October 31st, “Dia de Bruxas” which translates to “The Witch’s Day”. This is celebrated on the same day we celebrate Halloween in America. People still participate in dressing up but do not carve pumpkins or trick or treat. The most popular costumes include zombie carnival people and rastas! Halloween continues to grow in popularity in Brazil as it is a holiday with much fascination. 

Haiti

For Haiti, Halloween is often not celebrated as it conflicts with religious beliefs and other holidays around this time. Haiti has a tradition where they honor their family members who have left the natural world on November 1st. This tradition is slightly similar to the Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de Muertos, celebrated in Mexico. November 2nd is when Haitians remember the Catholic saints. Some may engage in Americanized parades, almost imitating Halloween, but otherwise, their celebrations are unique on their own. 

South Korea

South Korea uses the Western holiday as an excuse to dress up and go out. Trick or treating and carving pumpkins is not a tradition that they take part in, but they do dress up and go to costume parties. Most costumes are inspired by pop culture idols, such as KPOP stars, actors, and even some foreign celebrities.

Russia

Russia is not very fond of Halloween and views it  as a holiday that goes against Christianity. However, in recent years, clubs have taken advantage of the curiosity of Halloween and have held costume parties to celebrate the holiday.

England

England does celebrate Halloween but it is not necessarily one that everyone participates in. People in England don’t go “all out” like we do in America. They aren’t too fond of the big Halloween blow-ups or haunted houses. However, they do participate in pumpkin carving and their costumes are mostly scary. That's the whole point of the spooky season, right?

Halloween is a pretty big deal here in America, but some countries do not even participate in the festivities! Some may have different traditions and holidays surrounding the day and others may just take bits and pieces from our traditions. Either way, Halloween continues to be a holiday viewed with a lot of curiosity and is interpreted in many different ways.

OAP Hosts Easter Egg Hunt

By James Ortiz, Staff Photographer

Earlier this spring semester, the Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) hosted an Easter Egg Hunt to celebrate the holiday. It was a day filled with sweets, treats, fun, and sun! 

Students are all smiles as they collect Easter Eggs. Photo by James Ortiz

A quiet campus at the beginning of the Egg Hunt. Photo by James Ortiz 

Prizes await the winners of the Egg Hunt. Photo by James Ortiz

Eggs lay waiting for the taking at the quad. Photo by James Ortiz

Eggs are scattered on benches outside the Student Center. Photo by James Ortiz 

A hidden egg awaits retrieval. Photo by James Ortiz

Eggs begin to disappear as they are collected by students. Photo by James Ortiz

Valentine's Day Activities

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

It’s that time of year again! Valentine's Day is coming soon and here are some ideas for you on how to spend Love Day!

Orchid Showcase

At the Denver Botanic Gardens, there is a beautiful showcase of orchids for your loved one! Watch beautiful and rare orchids bloom while enjoying all the gardens have to offer. 

Date(s): January 12th - February 19th, 2024

Mother Daughter Valentines Baking Class

Take your mom to Littleton to make the cutest treats for this day of love! 

Date(s): February 3rd, 2024

Valentines Bazaar in Lakewood

Enjoy all kinds of vendors and activities! 

Date(s): February 9th - 10th, 2024

Valentines Day 4 Mile 

Run with your loved one and get that heart pumping! Hosted by Washington Park.

Date(s): February 11th, 2024