The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Madness week organizes the “Carnival of Madness” in Brownsville’s Duckhead as shown.
Hundreds of UTRGV students experienced scares, fun, costumes, games and excitement last Thursday at the first-ever Carnival of Madness event in the Duckhead Field in Brownsville.
Upon entering the event, on the left, attendees could find the haunted bus,which was provided by Transportation services. With screams and scares, students were frightened by images and shadows played by staff.
An inflatable ax-throwing attraction was available for participants to demonstrate their skills trying to hit the target. Attendees also had the opportunity to fly for a few seconds in the “Tropical Wave” slide.
An obstacle course, stunt jump, basketball, large bounce houses with obstacles and other attractions were available to students at the event.
The event encouraged students to wear costumes, where some creatively showed their best ideas.
Education junior Kayleen Sifuentes expressed the event exceeded her expectations, especially with its size.
“I was expecting it to be smaller,” Sifuentes said. “I am actually surprised of what’s here.”
Criminal justice sophomore Laura Arteaga said even though she did not know what to expect, she just wanted it to be fun. Sifuentes and Arteaga showed up to the event with matching clown costumes.
Art education junior Samantha Ramos also attended the event. Ramos said she felt excited for more events similar to the Carnival of Madness since most of the big events are located on the Edinburg campus.
“I can’t get myself out there all the time, you know?” she said. “So, it’s nice to having stuff here in Brownsville.”
While some students roasted marshmallows at a campfire, others gathered to watch the movie of the night “Jeepers Creepers.”
Student Activities Assistant Director Cristina Rodriguez said the event was sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and campus partners, such as the Student Union, University Recreation and Transportation services. Student organizations were also present selling food.
“We wanted to start off this year with something very different,” Rodriguez said. “And so this being our big event for the fall, just one of many that’s coming. This is what we are doing for our students and we wanted to try a new location as well.”
She expressed she wants students to embrace the event as a tradition.
“We want this to be a tradition for our student population,” Rodriguez said. “We really want them to be really excited and we want to hear their feedback.”
For more activities, visit utrgv.edu/CAB.
This is Fernanda Gonzalez for Vaquero Radio.
