Everyone has a place they call home. Maybe they were born there, maybe not, but what matters is the attachment they have to that place. My home, like a couple hundred thousand people, is York, Pennsylvania.
York is a distinct place, and you know these things if you've ever called York your home:
1. We are the White Rose City.
On New Year's Eve, we drop a white rose instead of a ball in York City. In Red Lion, a lion holding a cigar is dropped, and in West York, they drop a bulldog (all of which only make sense, if you're from York).
2. There is only one place in York to get ice cream... Handel's
Sure Dairy Queen is fine and all, but you can get that just about anywhere. Handel's, however, is original and delicious.
3. We are one of the most dangerous cities in the country.
A few years ago when the list of dangerous cities came out, we were in the top 20, just ahead of Baltimore. It's not uncommon to hear about shootings or violent crimes on TV or in the newspaper, or feel nervous as you drive through the inner city.
4. We take pride in knowing that our city was the nation's first capital for a day way back before any of us were born.
In fact, the Articles of Confederation were written in York.
5. Some people travel hundreds of miles to experience the York Fair that started in 1765 before the country was founded and you completely understand why.
Your first Fair visit was before you could walk, and you've gone to the petting zoo every year since then. As you grow up, you go for the games and more importantly, the food. Everything is fried and covered in deliciousness.
6. Our only professional sports team is the York Revolution.
Everyone in York has heard of the Revolution and probably been to at least one game, if not to watch the game, but to say you were there.
7. You pass the York Barbell Company on the highway all the time, but you've never been inside.
You see the turning weightlifter from a mile away, but that's all you know.
8. Peppermint Patties were born here, but have spread all around the world.
I was potty trained using peppermint patties, even though I lived in a different part of Pennsylvania until I was four. Today, they are still my favorite candy,
9. Going to Hershey isn't a very big deal since you have probably been there a thousand times for one thing or another.
At Hershey Park, I've ridden all the rides, which were fun when I was young, but as I got older, my fear of roller coasters kept me riding the little kid rides with my sister. You've seen the Hershey Bears play hockey in the Giant Center or maybe you've seen the Jonas Brothers in concert for your tenth birthday in the Grand Stand.
10. Most people have never heard of York.
You have to repeat yourself a lot because some people hear New York when you say, York. You end up telling people that you live near Harrisburg so they stop asking questions.
11. We live in the snack food capital of the world.
We have Martin's, Utz, and Frito Lay. The top chip company may still be up for grabs, though.
12. In High School, most of our goals involve getting out of York, but York will always be home.
Some of us try to go to school as far away as possible, but we always end up back here.