Loading up into two old buses, the special needs students at RHS began their drive. The buses, already bursting with noise, nearly exploded as they pulled into the gates of Gardner Village.

In groups of three to six, the students clutched their bags in excitement as they walked towards the buildings that loomed before them. The wandering began as they dispersed throughout the Village. The AP photography class had also joined them for a day of photographing.

There were many sights to see, including witches, natural beauty, and of course the old village buildings. Witches of all shapes and sizes occupied the space at Gardner Village. MaKaila Emmett and Justin Butterfield, both seniors were also at Gardner Village.

Emmett said, “Our favorite witch was the one on the port-a-potty.”

Butterfield quickly added, “I liked the one that flew into the building; stupid witch.”

Taitiana Carrillo, sophomore, said, “I liked the witch that lifted her skirt and a cat ran around her.”

She also enjoyed walking to and from the different shops, but that shop that caught her attention the most was the candy shop. “My favorite shop was the candy shop, it had so much candy in it,” Carrillo said.

Carrillo wasn’t the only to take advantage of the various shops of Gardner Village. Ashley Cornia, junior, said, “Me and my peer tutor got caramel apples from the candy shop, so they’re healthy.”

Emmett and Butterfield both agreed that, “The overall experience was good. We went into fabric stores, a restaurant and a snack bar.”

Brittany Fisher, senior, said that, “We went to a quilt shop and a candy shop. But mainly I just liked being there with my friends and walking around.”

Carrillo commented on being at Gardner Village with her peer tutor. She said, “It was nice to be there with my peer tutor and see her friends and talk and joke about things. I liked spending time there.”

All five students said they enjoyed being at Gardner Village.

“The trip was good, mainly just getting to be there with my friends. After a while it got kind of boring to just walk around, but I took my game boy,” said Fisher.

Fisher, Emmett and Carrillo all would like to go back again, but warned future travelers to bring money and to leave little kids at home.

Students rushed around to the different shops, making last minute purchases before making their 1:00 deadline. The fun day at Gardner Village was over.