Dancing Horse The Xavierite
SXU hosted its annual Spring Formal at Rancho Los Guzman on April 19, 2024.
The venue, planned and chosen by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Student Activities Board (SAB), is located in Joliet, IL. The dance took place in a ballroom next to the horse stables. Guests were able to take pictures of and pet the horses.
Close to 150 students attended. Many enjoyed the special events the ranch had to offer, such as the dancing horse and lasso artist brought out by Ranchos Los Guzman. “I was not expecting them to have performers but I thought it was really cool that they did,” commented Luis Noe, guest.
Students were required to take SXU transportation there and back. Each student was assigned to take a specific numbered bus depending on when they checked in.
Some students and guests were upset that traveling by bus was mandatory. Many shared the opinion that it was cramped and they could not sit with friends. “I thought the school transportation was terrible. I don’t like riding in a bus. It was really cramped and loud,” remarked Noe.
Transportation was required for the safety of students since many of those above the age of 21 choose to consume alcoholic beverages.
“I think the transportation provided from the school was good for me since I have been drinking,” mentioned Martin Rios, student.
“School transportation was a bit chaotic. Especially trying to find your friends at tables and meet up if you weren’t able to be on the same bus,” stated Ala Nator, attendee.
Students who wished to ride with a group were asked to all check in at the same time. Guests were required to have the following items ready before checking in to Butler Hall: Cougar Card, Den Pass, and state ID or driver’s license for those 21+.
Attendees over the age of 21 received a wristband and 3 drink tickets. Each person over 21 was allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages, attendees being limited to 3 drinks.
Dinner was buffet style. Options included entrees of Greek Chicken and Bistec en Salsa de Arbol, side options of Greek rice, beans, salsas, chips and tortillas, and additional sides of salad and Greek potatoes. Dessert included a Churro Food Truck towards the end of the night.
“I thought the food was delicious. I think prices for the formal were pretty fair considering the food was really good and the venue was really nice,” stated Elizabeth Lorenzo, attendee.
The DJ played mostly Spanish music to stay in theme of the event’s location.
“I am enjoying myself so far. Besides the music, the formal is everything I expected it to be,” shared Rois.
Only one non-SXU guest was allowed per Student.
Prices for Formal were $30 for Saint Xavier University (SXU) students and $55 for non-SXU guests. If students were no longer able to attend, refunds were not provided. Selling tickets was an option for those unable to attend.
“I thought prices were fair considering the location of the event,” voiced Rois.
As the formal was an evening party, the attire was requested to be semi-formal, with no casual attire allowed. Small clutches/handbags were allowed. Students were asked to only bring essentials.
Since this was a SXU sponsored event, students in violation of Alcohol and Tobacco policies were subject to disciplinary action as well as their guest.
Students danced till the event concluded at 10:00 p.m. “I had a lot of fun towards the end of the night. The venue was not what I expected it to be,” explains Noe.
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