New Leaf Guide to Fall 2023

NEW LEAF GUIDE TO FALL

Standard staff

Advertising staff

Paris Wilken advertising designer

Makayla Malachowski advertising assistant

Editorial staff

Lillian Durr editor-in-chief

Casey Loving editor

Jenna Murray editor

Kylie Colbert editor

Makayla Malachowski editor

Makayla Strickland editor

William P. Bohlen editor

Cassidy Hale copy editor

Liliana Hayes copy editor

Madalyn Tuning copy editor

Isabel Gamble copy editor

Mavis Gamble social media coordinator

Reporters and visual artists

Allie Free reporter

Alyssa Farrar reporter

Charles Sargent photographer

Dorottya Faa illustrator

Em Blackstone reporter

Garrett Sims reporter

Jade Morrow reporter

Jarrett Brattin reporter

Khotso Moore photographer

Liliana Hayes reporter

Maddie Sherman photographer

Mason Ray reporter

Matthew Huff photographer

Maura Curran reporter

Mavis Parks reporter

Morgan Shearhart photographer

Robin Garner reporter

Sam Barnette reporter

Shane Samson reporter

Spencer Justice photographer

Professional staff

Jack Dimond faculty adviser

Although day-to-day Springfield can seem like just another bustling, concrete jungle it is in fall that I’m reminded most brilliantly of the natural beauty of our city and the Ozarks.

Whether it be fall festivals (see pg. 10), hiking trails (see pg. 5) or wonderful places to watch the leaves change from green to their fantastic autumn shades, there is a special fall themed activity perfect for you in the Ozarks.

I am thrilled that this issue has found its way to you, and I hope you find our celebration and appreciation of fall in our community as delightful as I do.

On the cover: An assortment of fall leaves from native trees in the Ozarks.

NEW

LEAF GUIDE TO FALL

is published by The Standard, Missouri State University’s student-produced newspaper. The university has not approved and is not responsible for its content, which is produced and edited by the students on The Standard staff.

This year’s New Leaf Guide to Fall packs into its pages some of the biggest celebrations of the season in our city, along with some early celebration of the spookiest time of year. We hope there is truly something for everyone in these pages!

-Lillian Durr,

editor-in-chief

Cover photo by Lillian Durr

Embracing fall on a budget

EM BLACKSTONE Reporter

D@EmBlackstone

The temperature is cooler and the leaves are changing. Fall is here, and that means it is time to get in the spirit of the season. There are always fall events this time of year, but sometimes living the college student life can mean living on a tight budget. Whether it be taking part in fun activities, or getting cozy and staying in, there are plenty of budget friendly options for those who need it.

Visit a pumpkin patch

Going to pumpkin patches is a fall necessity whether you decide to buy a pumpkin or not. Pumpkins are great for decorating or carving, another low cost activity. Many of the pumpkin patches near Springfield are free to visit but most come with the option of additional activities that do cost. Here is a list from the least to most expensive.

• The Barnhouse Pumpkin Patch & Festival, 5484 W. Sunshine St., Brookline, activities start at $5

• Pickin’ Patch Farm, 22813 Hwy ZZ, Marionville, activities starting at $6

• Grunter Farms Patch and Corn Maze, 1148

State Hwy WW, Conway, activities starting at $8

• Campbell’s Maze Daze, 177 Carob Road, Clever, activities starting at $10

• Fieth Family Farm, 1663 E. 490th Road, Bolivar, activities starting at $12

• Gardeners Orchard, 4455 W. Farm Road 2, Brighton, activities starting at $12.95

Head to a farmers market

Visiting a farmers market is a great way to support local vendors, see unique crafts and buy produce like pre-picked pumpkins, apples and other seasonal treats. Some markets held in Springfield include Farmers Market of the Ozarks, Greater Springfield Farmers Market and C-Street City Market.

Visit a park

Another simple and affordable way to enjoy the season is with a stroll around some of Springfield’s parks. This can be a relaxing activity as it offers gorgeous views of the fall foliage. Park activities can include walking on the trails, hammocking in the trees or using the picnic areas. The Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, Sequiota Park, Doling Park and Phelps Grove Park are some of many public parks found in Springfield and are all lo-

cated within about 15 minutes of the Missouri State University campus.

Have a movie night

For those staying in, a wallet-friendly way to celebrate the season is to embrace the cozy evenings with simple movie nights at home. This is the easiest and cheapest way to relax with yourself or friends and family. Grab some popcorn, maybe some hot apple cider and relax with your favorite Halloween movie.

Visit an apple orchard

With a basket in hand and the sweet smell of apples, visit apple orchards for another seasonal experience. The price depends on the amount of apples you pick, so this activity can be as low cost as necessary. Some places near Springfield include Murphy Orchard in Marionville, Gardeners Orchard in Brighton and Purple Gate Farm in Highlandville.

Photo by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art

The C-Street City Market is open April through October. Held at 321 E. Commercial St., the market is open on Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

TRAIL MIX A guide to the best hiking spots in Springfield

most beautiful parts of Ritter Springs,” Pratt said.

4. Springfield Conservation Nature Center

Fall is a great time to hike in the Ozarks, especially because of the scenery and the – mostly – agreeable weather. Some students may turn to the outdoors to destress, while others hike as a hobby. Seek out your newest adventure by learning more about some local hiking trails.

1. Fellows Lake

Located at 4200 E. Farm Road 66, just outside Springfield, the Fellows Lake hiking trail provides a 2.5 mile hike with a view of the lake.

According to the Ozark Greenways website, the trail was developed in partnership with Springfield City Utilities for an Eagle Scout project in 2006. The trail intersects with the Dirt 66 Trail Liberty Loop.

Kaleb Pratt, a graduate assistant at Missouri State University’s Outdoor Adventures, said most of the trails around Fellows Lake are unpopulated, providing a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.

2. Little Sac Woods

The Little Sac Woods trails are located in Willard, about 30 minutes away from the MSU campus. The Missouri Department of Conservation reports that 90% of the Little Sac Woods Conservation Area is forested, so there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

3. Ritter Springs

Just northwest of Springfield sits Ritter Springs, a park that is not only great for outdoor sports such as volleyball and archery, but its hiking trails as well. The 245-acre park is part of Ozark Greenways’ Fulbright Spring Greenway, which connects it to the David C. Murray Park at 2365 W. Farm Road 86.

Pratt suggests visiting the Nature Trail at Ritter Springs, as it is a fan favorite of local hikers.

“It’s an easy hike, showing off arguably the

When it comes to hiking in the area, visiting the Springfield Conservation Nature Center is a must. According to the website, the center hosts three miles of walking trails, nature and conservation exhibits, and plenty of scenery to enjoy. While the Nature Center is a local favorite, it is closed to bicycles and pets.

Trail etiquette

Hiking can be a great stress reliever, but it is important to keep a few things in mind before making your visit.

Pratt defined trail etiquette as respecting the trails, people and the environment around the path.

According to Pratt, “For (Outdoor Adventures), that means picking up trash, leaving sticks and cool rocks (behind), kind of acknowledging that that place is beautiful the way it is.”

Pratt said that those who participate in Outdoor Adventures adhere to the seven principles of the Leave No Trace program, which includes maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, respecting others on the trail and properly disposing of waste.

It is also important to be aware of your surroundings. There will be cyclists, runners and other visitors on the trails — while it should go without saying, be respectful of those you share the trail with.

Packing for your trip

Depending on where you choose to hike, there are a multitude of things you can pack for your trip. Pratt suggested bringing plenty of water –preferably more than you think you will drink – as well as a first aid kit and toiletries.

Pratt said another important preparation is letting people, whether it be your family or friends, know where you’re going, in case of an emergency.

1 2 3 4

MAKAYLA MALACHOWSKI Editor Q@m.malachowski_

Located at 4200 E. Farm Road 66, Fellows Lake offers a peaceful space for hiking. The trail is 2.5 miles and intersects with Dirt 66 Trail Liberty Loop.

Photos by Makayla Malachowski Q@m.malachowski_

The Little Sac Woods trails are located in Willard, about 30 minutes away from MSU. The conservation area is 90% wooded.

Ritter Springs offers a variety of things to do, from hiking to recreational sports.

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center includes a variety of trails, along with conservation exhibits and scenic views.

Creep into the spooky season with five scary-good

LILIANA HAYES Reporter D@lilidarleen

Fall is right around the corner. When it starts to cool down outside and the nights get longer, it creates an excellent atmosphere for cozying up with a book; though, the perfect book to get the autumnal vibe is different depending on who you ask. Some people are looking for a thrilling mystery while others are happy with a romance set in October.

With the help of Goodreads, I’ve carefully curated a list of book recommendations that hit a variety of tastes. Take a look and get into the fall spirit!

“The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling

This wickedly funny romance brings magic to the real world. According to Go-

odreads, when Vivienne Jones’ no-good boyfriend Rhys broke up with her, she did what anyone would do – drank vodka and put a hex on him. Nine years later, Rhys is back in town, and Vivienne learns why you should never mix alcohol and magic.

Vivienne now has to navigate life with Rhys again while trying to stifle her unresolved feelings. The two team up to magically recharge the town’s hidden ley lines, and a spell goes horribly wrong. Suddenly their small hometown is plunged into chaos.

Vivienne and Rhys face off against a pesky library ghost, a talking cat and a horde of murderous wind-up toys to try to save everything they’ve ever known. Can they overcome their broken hearts and save their town? Vivienne isn’t so sure.

“The Ghost Tracks” by Celso Hurtado

Hurtado’s debut novel combines classic elements of the young adult genre with a real-life San Antonio legend – the Ghost Tracks. After his father dies of an overdose and his mother abandons him, Erasmo Cruz moves in with his sick grandmother in a rough part of town.

Erasmo is desperate to help pay for his grandmother’s treatments, but he only has one real passion: the supernatural. He decides to put his knowledge up for sale on Craigslist and become a paranormal investigator. However, he doesn’t actually believe in ghosts.

Unfortunately for Erasmo, it seems that his clients’ impossible claims might hold some truth after all. As he deals with possessions, poltergeists and odd premonitions, Erasmo also has to uncover the truth about his town before someone loses their life.

“The Dead Romantics” by Ashley Poston

Florence Day just went through a nasty breakup and wholeheartedly believes true love is dead. The thing is, she’s the ghostwriter for a prolific romance author. Her new editor refuses to give an extension for an upcoming novel, and she can’t bring herself to write in these conditions.

An unexpected phone call comes in and makes everything worse. Florence must return to her hometown for the first time in 10 years to attend her loving father’s funeral. She hates being home – everything si-

Screenshot from Amazon

multaneously feels the exact same yet wildly different from 10 years ago.

At the funeral parlor’s front doors, Florence finds a familiar ghost. Surprisingly, it isn’t her father but instead her new, extremely confused editor. His unfinished business leaves Florence second-guessing if love really is dead after all.

“Weyward” by Emilia Hart

Hart’s debut novel “Weyward,” is historical fiction teeming with elements of magical realism. This story of female strength and witchcraft weaves together the lives of three women across five centuries.

In 2019, Kate leaves an abusive relationship and flees to her great aunt’s cottage. During her stay, Kate realizes that her aunt may have a hidden secret dating all the way back to the 17th-century witch trials.

Then there’s Altha in 1619, who is awaiting a murder trial where she’s the prime suspect. The town doesn’t trust her because of the magical abilities passed on to her by her mother. Altha has to prove that she is innocent and that magic can truly be a beautiful force of nature.

Lastly, as World War II ravages daily life in 1942, Violet tries to uncover the mystery of her mother’s death. The only clues she has to go of are a locket engraved with the letter “W” and the word “weyward” carved into her bedroom’s baseboard.

“The House in the Pines” by Ana Reyes

During her senior year of high school, Maya watched her best friend mysteriously drop dead while they were with a man named Frank. Seven years have passed since then, and Maya, still struggling with losing her friend, has moved to Boston with her boyfriend to try to run from her past.

Maya can’t account for all the gaps in her memory from the day her friend passed away, and she’s forced to uncover why when a YouTube video goes viral. In a situation eerily similar to hers, the video depicts an

older woman collapsing in a diner while sitting across from none other than Frank.

“The House in the Pines” traverses the complex emotions that come with guilt and trauma as Maya returns to her hometown to confront the ghosts of her past and track down Frank. However, fragments of the puzzle are scattered all around her childhood home, and it seems like her best friend’s death wasn’t a random event after all.

Screenshot from The Fantasy Review

Screenshot from Amazon

THE EDITORS WEIGH

CASEY LOVING

Outdoor Seating at Kingdom Coffee

JENNA MURRAY

Sequiota Park

KYLIE COLBERT

House

LILLIAN DURR

Phelps Grove Park

MAKAYLA MALACHOWSKI

Missouri State University Campus

MAKAYLA STRICKLAND

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

WILLIAM P. BOHLEN

Kayaking the James River

Fall into the season with these beautiful Springfield locations

LILLIAN DURR

Editor-in-Chief

Q@lillian_durr_art

With seasons shifting in the Ozarks, lovers of the fall are sure to find a variety of places inside Springfield and out to appreciate the ever-changing plant life. Turning leaves, growing pumpkins and towering corn fields offer a place to relax or a weekend activity for those of all ages. For those hoping to stay close to campus and those adventuring out across the city, here are three places to appreciate the natural beauty of the area as we descend into fall.

Barnhouse Pumpkin Patch

For those hoping to see some of Missouri’s fall crops blooming into the season, visit the Barnhouse Pumpkin Patch.

According to Travis Zarechi, owner of the Barnhouse Pumpkin Patch, the patch prides itself on the variety of pumpkins they grow, including stackable, warty and variously colored pumpkins. However, the patch also promotes a family environment with activities for all ages.

The patch maintains an activity field with a hay maze and more for children; additionally, the location is pet-friendly.

“When people come here there are plenty of things to do,” said Zarechi. “We have our pumpkin tent … and then we also have a field

and activity center for children.”

According to Zarechi, the patch is also a popular destination for college students in Springfield.

“In the last three years we’ve had a lot of college kids here, who like to come out here on the weekends or in the evenings and do photo ops,” said Zarechi. “We have a big red caboose out here that we’ll decorate, and we have a lot of kids come out here and want to get pictures taken.”

The patch opens for the season on Thursday, Sept. 14 and will close for the season on Oct. 31. The patch is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phelps Grove Park

Springfieldians looking to see the leaves of Missouri’s many native trees changing this autumn, look no further than Phelps Grove Park.

Located at 950 E. Bennet St., only a few blocks south of MSU, the 30-acre park includes a walking path, playground, pool, two gardens, a tennis court and many mature trees, according to the Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s website.

The park’s trees include maples and walnut trees, both of which are sure to turn spectacular colors each fall. More color-changing trees can be found down the surrounding streets of the Phelps Grove Neighborhood as well.

According to the Missouri Department of

Conservation website, Missouri’s fall color season can last from six to eight weeks. The season is marked by phases, beginning in mid-September and lasting up to the middle of November.

“The peak of fall color in Missouri is usually around mid-October,” said the department’s website. “Normally by late October, the colors are fading and the leaves are dropping from the trees.”

Missouri State University Campus

To experience the changing flora of fall, members of the MSU community can find lots of changing trees on our very own campus.

The MSU campus hosts a variety of tree species native to Missouri – including Ginkgo, Dawn Redwood, Basswood and Red Maple trees – which are cared for by MSU Grounds Services.

Missouri State’s efforts to maintain and protect the campus’s trees earned them 2020 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation, according to the Missouri State website.

The university was also named an Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus in 2012 and 2016.

Both awards recognize colleges and universities that maintain healthy trees and engage students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

Photo by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art

Along with the many locations around Springfield that boast fall foliage, the Missouri State University campus is home to many color-changing trees. Maple trees, known for their bright leaves in the fall can be found across campus in locations including King Street, south of Strong Hall and near the Plaster Student Union.

The Porch of Potter’s

Prepare your closet for falling temperatures and changing weather patterns this autumn

SHANE SANSOM Reporter D@shane_sansom

The start of the fall semester marks the change in weather from summer heat to fall breeze. As incoming students arrive for their classes, they’ll likely take notice of the weather more as they navigate between classes.

Students have already experienced high temperatures early on this semester, but as we grow closer to the end of the semester, the weather will begin to shift.

Springfield has several stores where students can buy seasonal clothes to prepare for the weather change. There are the usual ones like Target and Walmart, but living on a college student’s budget might make those options less desirable.

Instead there are several second hand stores nearby such as the Red Racks Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store, which has several

locations in the Springfield area and affordable prices. Red Racks in particular has a lot of second hand choices similar to Goodwill.

Campus is also known for having notoriously poor drainage during heavy rain, so it is recommended to have clothing suited for rainy days. A pair of boots, coat and extra pairs of socks in your backpack will go a long way toward staying comfortable in inclement weather.

As the weather gets colder, students will begin to realize that they’ll have to layer up more than they used to in order to make the trip between classes. As we get closer to winter, heavier clothing options such as coats, leggings and long sleeves will be put out more. British Red Cross says “Wearing lots of layers rather than one thick piece of clothing will help to trap your body heat and keep you warmer.”

The campus bookstore also has a wide variety of shirts, hoodies and sweaters if students want to show off their Bearwear. The store also

File photo/THE STANDARD

Red Racks DAV Thrift Store has multiple locations in Springfield at 2843 E Sunshine St., 1707 W Battlefield Rd., and 1711 N Glenstone Ave. The locations host a variety of clothing options, along with furniture, appliances and accessories.

has regular discounts after football and basketball games. They will put up signs outside the store notifying students of discounts if and when they apply.

Missouri State also offers the Transition Closet, a resource for students going through major life changes. You can find more infor-

mation here: missouristate.edu/MulticulturalPrograms/transitions-closet

It’s recommended that students check out a weather app every morning before they leave for the day to make sure they’re prepared for any changes and are appropriately dressed for the day’s weather.

FIND FALL FUN AT

JENNA MURRAY Editor

HARVEST FEST

coordinator, said. “We have field trips that come out during the week to get their picture in front of it every year.”

@Jenna_Murray5

As cooler temperatures and changing leaves mark the beginning of fall, Springfield hosts a plethora of seasonal festivities. One annual event is the Harvest Fest at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park.

Located at 3825 W. Farm Road 146, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park is an agricultural-themed public park featuring an animal barn, a farm-themed playground, a visitor center and a gift shop. On the weekends from Oct. 7-29, the park will turn into a hotspot for all things fall. The event hours are Saturdays 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays 12-6 p.m.

Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park has been hosting Harvest Fest since the fall of 2008, less than a year after the park opened.

“There’s a lot of families that make it an annual tradition, and we put up a photo op every year,” Jennifer Penning, farm park

While admission and parking for the event are free, Harvest Fest offers several fall-related activities at an extra cost. Visitors purchase tickets at the festival which can be redeemed for various activities. Tickets cost $1 each.

Pumpkins at the park’s pumpkin patch will be priced based on weight. The pumpkin patch is also open outside of Harvest Fest hours and will open for the season on Oct. 3.

Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park’s 2.5-mile corn maze will cost four tickets per adult and three tickets per child aged 5-11. Children 4 years and younger are free.

The cow train attraction is catered to children and allows them to be pulled around the park by a tractor while riding in cow-painted barrels equipped with chairs and seat belts. This activity costs four tickets.

Project Success

Graphic by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art

RUTLEDGE-WILSON FARM PARK

HARVEST FEST

HARVEST FEST

There will be four different inflatables at the event. One of them, named “My Little Farm,” is for children 3 years old and younger only and costs one ticket. The other three are a bounce house, obstacle course and slide. For all-day access to the main three, which share a corncob and scarecrow theme, costs five tickets.

New to Harvest Fest this year are barnyard races, where participants can run inside giant hamster wheels set up on a track

system. This new attraction will cost one ticket.

The other offered attractions include a pony ride for eight tickets and a hayride for three tickets. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase separately.

According to Penning, Harvest Fest draws in around 10,000 people every weekend of the event. Her favorite part of the event is seeing the joy it brings to the community.

“(My favorite part is) just getting to see people make those memories and have fun and knowing that I was a part in helping in that,” Penning said. Learn more about Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park’s Harvest Fest at parkboard.org/harvestfest.

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“There’s a lot of families that make it an annual tradition, and we put up a photo op every year. We have field trips that come out during the week to get their picture in front of it every year.”

Jennifer Penning, farm park coordinator

BOO-IT-YOURSELF

d p l a c e YOUR at Aspen

A frequent fall stressor arrives each year as the calendar comes closer to October’s end: What will I wear for Halloween? The time for trick-or-treating may have passed for most college students, but there’s no shortage of social events that require a clever costume.

If you want to save money on expensive costumes and leave the “Barbie” and “Mario” looks to others, here are some DIY costumes you can assemble from the past year’s biggest pop culture moments.

Carmy Berzatto - “The Bear”

There’s not much you need to dress as the star of FX’s beloved new show “The Bear.” Following the release of its second season in 2023, a Carmy costume needs little more than a blue apron, a white t-shirt, dark pants and perhaps some messy blonde hair. From there, you really only need to add some fake tattoos and your best stressed expressions to sell the look. In fact, you could probably tell people you’re several characters from the show with this approach. Call that “The Bear” minimum.

Clif Smart - Missouri State University

Bid farewell to the president of Missouri State University with the greatest gift you can give: a Halloween costume in his honor.

We’ve all seen President Clif Smart walking through university grounds in one of his trademark suits. What better way to spend your Halloween night than parading in the president’s shoes? Round out your costume with a maroon shirt or tie, bring a buddy to be your Boomer Bear and your MSU-themed Halloween posse is ready to go.

DJ Crazy Times & Ms. Biljana Electronica

Each year needs a Halloween costume centered around a hyper-specific, quickly-dated meme, often thrown together hastily and forgotten just as fast. This year, consider dressing as the hit social media sensation behind 90s parody of European Dance music “Planet of the Bass,” DJ Crazy Times and Ms. Biljana Electronica. To dress as DJ Crazy Times, black pants, a black vest – with no shirt underneath – and dark sunglasses are essential; for Ms. Biljana Electronica, wear light sunglasses, white pants and a pink and white tank top.

When someone inevitably doesn’t know what you’re dressed as, read from the following script:

“Oh, we’re DJ Crazy Times and Ms. Biljana Electronica! You know, from ‘Planet of the Bass?’ It went viral on TikTok! It’s a parody of European dance songs from the 90s, but it’s actually really good! Yeah, he kept remaking the TikTok with different women dubbed with the same vocals, then he brought the original Biljana back for the full video! They premiered

Photo by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art

Many simple, pop culture costumes, including the DIY Korok costume pictured above can be assembled from already owned clothing and affordable craft supplies.

it at a Jonas Brothers concert! Here, let me pull up the video. Wait, come back.”

Ellie - “The Last of Us”

One of the most popular video games of the past 10 years received a critically acclaimed TV adaptation this year in HBO’s “The Last of Us.” Though dressing as one of the show’s Stalkers or Clickers may take some extensive make-up, one can easily create a recognizable Ellie costume for this Halloween.

There are a few different looks you can choose for Ellie, but I suggest you get a pink zip-up hoodie, a gray shirt and jeans. Layering this with a military green bomber jacket and a backpack with a flashlight on the strap are optional but could help sell the costume. Add a Joel to your Ellie by bringing along a bearded man in a faded green button-up and jeans who scowls the whole night through.

Korok - “Tears of the Kingdom”

One of the highest-selling games of the year, “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” brought the forest spirits known as Koroks back for players to interact with throughout Hyrule. For Halloween, create your Korok costume by dressing in earth tones and making your own leaf mask. To top it off, hit your friends with your best “Yahha-hah!” every time they look your way.

Luffy - “One Piece”

The hit manga and anime “One Piece” has received a successful live-action adaptation on Netflix, creating an opportunity for one of the year’s easiest DIY costumes. To dress as Monkey D. Luffy, captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, you really only need a few items of clothing. A red vest will likely be the hardest item to acquire, though that can be easily obtained online. From there, you really only need blue pants and a straw hat with a red ribbon. Really I guess it’s three or four pieces.

Wade and Ember - “Elemental”

As an easy couples costume, dress as Wade and Ember from Pixar’s “Elemental,” one of this year’s most successful animated movies. To make a Wade costume, wear a purple t-shirt and add blue pants, a blue long-sleeve shirt, and a blue beanie to emulate the water character; for the fire woman Ember, wear a black dress with orange/red pants and a beanie. If anyone hasn’t seen “Elemental,” you can tell them you’re either Sharkboy and Lavagirl – bring an extra fin just in case – or online gaming legends Fireboy and Watergirl.

Na’vi with Sunglasses - “Avatar: The Way of Water”

Everyone remembers the breakout character from 2022’s box office sensation: the Na’vi Avatar that wears sunglasses in “Avatar: The Way of Water.” One of Colonel Miles Quaritch’s Recombinant soldiers, the Na’vi

with Sunglasses, is a dead human who had his consciousness transferred into empty Na’vi bodies, similar to Jake Sully’s journey in the first film. Unlike most true Na’vi, this one has shades.

For this costume, you’re going to need camo clothing, sunglasses – obviously – and loads of blue body paint.

If blue body paint isn’t your thing, try purple body paint with purple clothes and go as Grimace.

If purple or blue body paint isn’t your thing, try green body paint with a suit and go as She-Hulk.

The Spot - “Across the Spider-Verse”

“Across the Spider-Verse” is one of the year’s best films, but it can be hard to make a Spider-Man costume at home. Dressing as the movie’s antagonist, The Spot, will prove much easier.

How you go about creating this costume depends on your Morphsuit budget.

If you don’t want to buy a Morphsuit, just wear all-white clothing and decorate it with black spots, either using markers or construction paper.

If you can afford a Morphsuit, buy a white one and decorate it in the same manner.

Additionally, if you don’t care about ruining the suit, you can wear black clothing underneath, cutting holes in the white Morphsuit on top. This will add depth to your costume as The Spot’s “holes” appear appropriately indented.

The Hand - “Talk To Me”

One of the year’s breakout horror movies can make a fun costume for the more artistic scary movie fans out there. The film “Talk To Me” sees a group of high schoolers interact with a mysterious embalmed hand, with which they can communicate with the dead. Since the ghost-white hand has been passed around by a bunch of teenagers, it has naturally been marked up yearbook-style with names and messages from past users.

To create this costume, wear black clothing or a body suit, covering as much of your body as possible aside from your left hand. You can then mark up your hand by yourself or with friends to resemble the tagging seen in the film; you can also use white body paint on the hand if so desired. From there, grab a friend’s hand and let them perform a seance of their own – just don’t hold on for more than 90 seconds.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Any year with a new “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie is a good year for a TMNT-inspired group costume. You already know what to do with this one. Wear green clothes with a brown backpack or makeshift shell if possible. Tie colored masks – blue, red, orange and purple – around your eyes for your four heroes. Just like that, your heroes in a half shell are assembled.

FALL FAVORITES

Where to find festivals, treats, and lots of eats

ALLIE FREE Reporter D@free_allie

During the fall semester, students may begin searching for ways to find the spirit of the season in their everyday lives. Here’s a helpful crash course on filling your day with fall.

Food and Drink with Fall Flavor

For fall-tinged tastes, there are plenty of chain restaurants you could visit, but why not visit a local business to find a new favorite? According to The Potter’s House website, a coffee shop on National Street across from main campus, the shop is offering limited-edition drinks this fall: hot apple cider with a sprinkle of cinnamon, the Great Pumpkin – a cold chai latté with caramel, pumpkin pie and ice cream – and the Frapple Cider – a frozen drink with cider, cinnamon, caramel and ice cream.

Big Momma’s Coffee and Espresso is also throwing their hat into the ring of local shops offering fall-themed drinks. Listed on their website, The Pumpkin King – two shots of espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin spice and cinnamon – and the Fireside – shots of espresso, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and steamed milk – are seasonal drinks only offered during September, October and November.

According to a representative, Gailey’s Breakfast Café is also offering a long list of seasonal cocktails, including a pumpkin-flavored white Russian, an apple butter old-fashioned, a cranberry orange whiskey sour and a pumpkin pie martini. For those 21 and under, or for those just looking for something non-alcoholic, Gailey’s is also offering a caramel apple cider, a s’mores hot cocoa and their pumpkin waffle.

Andy’s Frozen Custard, The Urban Cup and Prairie Pie already have their fallthemed dessert recipes ready. Andy’s will be offering a pumpkin pie concrete, a s’mores Jackhammer and their “Words Can’t Describe It” apple pie concrete and sundae. The Urban Cup – a cupcakery near the intersection of Glenstone Avenue and Grand

Street – is baking up batches of its pumpkin spice and cinnamon coffee cupcakes. During September, Prairie Pie will also have numerous seasonal pies, including pumpkin, apple streusel, almond plum and pecan. Additionally, this season Greek Belly has introduced a new fall-themed item to their menu: a pumpkin pie baklava.

Fall Festivals and Events

For those not looking to buy any sweet treats, but still wanting to get into the season, the 25th annual Cider Days festival will be in Springfield’s Walnut Street Historic District during the weekend of Sept. 16 and 17. The festival boasts live music and dozens of fall-themed vendors to peruse. Ozarks Fall Farmfest will also be returning Oct. 6-8 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and Event Center, with thousands of agricultural stands and exhibits.

For good, and free, views of fall foliage, visit the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park or the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden.

Autumn at Home

If you’re stuck at home, there are still some options for you to fill your living space with fall festivity. Making a simmer pot –which you can learn to make from past Standard coverage – for your kitchen can be cheap and easy, and fall-themed candles or wax melts can also be a quick way to fill a house or apartment with that pumpkin-spiced charm. Lastly, consider investing in, or making, fall-themed decor, like a wreath or sign for a front or bedroom door. Pinterest can be a helpful resource for homemade decor inspiration.

Illustration by Dorottya Faa Q@disaaky

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