16 Signs You Grew Up In Wapakoneta, Ohio
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

16 Signs You Grew Up In Wapakoneta, Ohio

“It’s pronounced WAH-pah-ke-NET-ah. Or Wapak for short.”

598
16 Signs You Grew Up In Wapakoneta, Ohio
WikiMedia Commons

It’s a small town with lots of farms and cornfields, hometown pride, and hidden treasures. Whether you grew up in Wapak, or you have lived here at any time in your life, there are some things that you can relate to that other people just don’t understand. (If you still don't know how to say it, watch this quick video.)


1. When spelling Wapakoneta, you always think about the little chant with hand clapping you used in elementary school when you first learned to spell it.

2. You have to try to explain where Wapak is by using Lima since it's the only remotely large city that others might have a chance of knowing.

3. You never get stuck in traffic, but you've been late to school, work, and other events because of a train stopped on the tracks that run straight through the middle of town.

4. Friday night football games were the place to be during the fall, and of course everyone went to the gazebo party afterward to celebrate the win.

5. You have to explain to people what the "giant white golf ball" is that can be seen from I-75.

6. You got to go to the high school as an eighth grader and you thought it was the coolest thing ever.

7. El Azteca has been and will always be the best Mexican restaurant you’ll visit. Nothing beats the good food and hot plates.

8. People are really confused when you tell them that the "Rock Garden" is a popular hangout place for Wapakonetians.

9. You love and hate every other school in the WBL because they're our biggest rivals but you want them to win when they aren't playing you.

10. School has been cancelled for fog and extremely cold wind chills, yet snow usually doesn't seem to be a problem.

11. We take serious pride in the fact that Neil Armstrong, the first man to step on the moon, was born and raised in Wapakoneta. When people don't know who Neil Armstrong is, you're actually a little offended.

12. The Summer Moon Festival is the only place you can go to watch bed races and weiner dog races.

13. The epitome of senior year is climbing on top of the concession stand in the cafeteria to sign the tee-pee (without getting caught, of course).

14. You have to drive at least 30 minutes to go to a mall or to shop somewhere that isn't Wal-Mart, but you'll drive even further to get to a bigger and better shopping center.

15. The fight song will forever be ingrained in your brain, and you've probably only sang the alma mater once (which was on graduation day).

16. The Redskins will always have a special place in your heart no matter where you go.


It's the little things that we remember most about growing up here, and that's why we love it so much.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

112151
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments