Fairmont, WV is a town in North-Central West Virginia with a population of just under 20,000 people. It's right in the center between Morgantown and Clarksburg, both cities that generally have more going on, despite the fact that Clarksburg inhabits fewer people. Morgantown and Clarksburg both have malls, infinitely more restaurants, and just more things to do. Fairmont is just a speck on the map that's been asking for a Sheetz for a couple of years now (still, there are rumors we'll get one). But, Fairmont locals have come to know Fairmont like the backs of their hands and this is a list of all the things anyone from Fairmont is sure to recognize.
1. Dairy Creme Corner
Any local will tell you DCC is the best ice cream around. You get the best bang for your buck (seriously, most people have to order baby cones because their smalls are too big to finish) and they have an incredible variety of flavors and products.
2. Country Club Bakery
Home of the first pepperoni roll. These pepperoni rolls are exactly what pepperoni rolls are supposed to be.
3. The Million Dollar Bridge
This bridge, when it was built the first time in 1921, cost 1 million dollars. They had it restored in the last few decades, but that original cost stuck and it's been the million dollar bridge ever since. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places.
4. Yann's Hot Dogs
These hot dogs come with mustard, hot dog sauce, and onions, with a side of chocolate milk, and you don't get any other choice. The man here has become infamous as "the hot dog nazi," referencing the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld we're all familiar with. I'm honestly not sure if you can ask for your hot dogs without one of the toppings, but I know for sure he gets very upset if you do. This isn't Burger King, you can't have it your way.
5. Fairmont State University
Fairmont is not set up to be a college town. In fact, you almost forget there's even a college in the town unless you're driving past it. Most high school graduates in town, of course, attend college here, as well as many of their parents.
6. The East-West Rivalry
The rivalry between East Side and West Side has been going strong for many years now. It's the strongest during football games where fans from both sides come out, alumni included, and sit in the cold to cheer on their school. The West Side Polar Bears usually dominate this game with a 61-28-7 record since 1921, having won the game the last 9 games they've played against the East Side Bees.
7. Palatine Park
Palatine Park is known in Fairmont for never having anything going on except during the Three Rivers Festival and Fourth of July Celebrations. Fairmont is well-known for hosting killer fireworks shows here. We all also remember that one time Billy Ray Cyrus performed here on the Fourth of July for free.
8. First Observance of Father's Day...
Everyone in Fairmont recognizes this church that claims to have held the observance of Father's Day. No one really knows if it's really true or not, it probably isn't. We embrace it anyway.
9. Prickett's Fort
This state park is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was a refuge for Native American war parties back in the day. Most Elementary schools in the area went here for field trips.
10. Mary Lou Retton
Mary Lou Retton was the first ever American woman to win the all-around gold medal at the Olympics in 1984. She was also the only one to do so for 20 years. She is, of course, from right here in Fairmont, WV.
