The second largest city in Indiana is known as Fort Wayne. Known for its many different churches (literally around every corner) and for its park, Fort Wayne has a special place in my heart as well as in others'. Fort Wayne is one place where you never truly grow up due to its amazing playgrounds, fantastic family-friendly events, and amazing zoo. It’s the ideal place to raise a family. With that, there are some obvious signs that show you're from Fort Wayne and only Fort Wayners will understand.
1. Festivals
German Fest, Three Rivers, and Johnny Appleseed were basically your life. You get a crap ton of food, get to dress up and hang out with your friends. Three Rivers is the highlight of all of our summers in Fort Wayne.
2. IU vs. Purdue
Although many of us are considered Hoosiers, we still have to pick between Purdue and IU. Clearly, the smart ones pick Purdue.
3. The Rave
You know exactly what it is and if you don’t, you’re too young to remember.
4. Most Common Question: “Do you know [insert name]?”
You’re asked this question every time you say you’re from Fort Wayne. I’m sorry but FW is pretty big. There are more than 12 high schools, how am I supposed to know everyone? I barely knew the kids in my grade, let alone kids from other schools.
5. You understand every school rivalry.
No matter if it’s Homestead vs. Carroll or North Side vs. South Side, school rivalries are strong within Fort Wayne and everyone participates in it.
6. Girl Scout Cookies
When Girl scout season rolls around and you hear someone ask for Samoa cookies. What the hell is a Samoa? It's a Caramel DeLite, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?
7. Powers Burgers
Eating one of the greasiest, yet most satisfying foods you could eat can be found at Powers’ Burgers. But you and your family may regret it a few hours later.
8. Lazer Tag
Ultra Zone or Lazer X was the most fun you could have. This is one place where you might start hating your friends.
9. Roller Dome
The Roller Dome was another fun place where you and your friends went as children and early teens. Many of us went on school or day care field trips.
10. Zesto Ice Cream
No explanation needed.
11. Everyone was on a basketball team at one point.
You were forced to play basketball on most likely co-ed teams where you would never pass to the girl (or get the ball if you were the girl).
12. Vera Bradley sales
You walk into the Vera Bradley outlet sale and just stare at the living hell you’re about to enter.
13. Coney Island
You went there to get greasy hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as getting a coke in a really cool, original bottle.
14. Glenbrook and Jefferson Pointe
Growing up for preteens, there wasn’t much to do. So you went to the mall and walked around trying to look as cool as possible. Don’t act like you never did.
15. There is ALWAYS construction going on.
No matter what side of Fort Wayne you’re on, construction is always happening. It’s possibly the most annoying thing ever.
16. Downtown Christmas Decorations
Christmas in Fort Wayne is always lit (literally). The downtown decorations are always beautiful and a great sight to see when you’re enjoying the lovely winter.
17. Science Central
You know exactly what I’m talking about. Every child went on a field trip here and probably spent more time in the tilted room than they did paying attention to the demonstrations.
No matter where life takes you, going home to Fort Wayne always makes you happy.
