We all have a connection to where we grew up. Whether it was near the sunny beaches of California, the rocky mountains of Colorado, or the bustling city of New York, home will always be where the heart is. For me, my home remains on the upper right-hand corner of Indiana, also known as Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne is where I was born and raised, where I rode my first bike, took ballet lessons, visited the zoo, met lifelong friends, and spent the majority of my childhood summers. Despite how frequently I complain about growing up in a small-town area, I wouldn't trade these memories and experiences for anything. In this post, I've compiled a list of telltale signs that you grew up in Fort Wayne, IN, and just how important it is to appreciate the good life this town has gifted us with.
1. The possibility of experiencing all four seasons in a single day
Especially now on the border between summer and fall, it is nearly impossible to dress according to the weather. It could be 50 degrees and rainy in the morning, but come midday, it's skyrocketed to sunny and 70s. Obviously, Fort Wayne isn't the only city that can relate to this bipolar weather, but it sure does make the list.
2. You know construction season far too well
Not only does Fort Wayne undergo four distinct seasonal changes, we are lucky enough to live through a fifth: construction season. Between the months of March and November, construction signs & detour routes appear all over the city. Although the traffic and additional time can be quite the inconvenience, our city is always working towards improvement for the benefit of the community.
3. Glenbrook & Jefferson Pointe was THE place to be on the weekends
Nearly every single pre-teen within the city limits was to make an appearance with their posse at one or both of these locations. Whether it was to catch a movie at The Rave (RIP), spend all 6 dollars in your wallet on Starbucks frappucinos, or strut around the stores without parental supervision, these two locations played a major role in the lives of the middle school population.
4. It's an unusual day when you don't hear a Fred Grote advertisement on the radio
You cannot call yourself a Fort Wayne native if you have never heard of this legendary car salesman. While many have never actually visited his office between Lake & State on Coliseum, there's no doubt that he's a "dealer for the people!".
5. Rise & Roll doughnuts
Yeah this one's pretty self explanatory. Nothing else compares. Next!
6. You take high school football very seriously
'Friday Night Lights' is a real thing in Fort Wayne, regardless if you're passionate about the sport or not. Friends and family flock to stadiums all across the city to support their teams, and most likely, you where there cheering them on, too.
7. You never pass up the opportunity to make it out to a festival
Fort Wayne loves their summer/fall festivals, and so do the majority of its overweight citizens! There's a complete variety of events ranging from the celebration of Christmas trees, to honoring the beloved Johnny Appleseed, to Greek and German heritage appreciation. There is a good chance that half of your summer was spent waiting in line at Junk Food Alley, but apparently the chocolate covered strawberries were worth it.
8. You always make an effort to visit downtown during the Christmas season
Either it's a family tradition or a spur-of-the-moment occasion, downtown Fort Wayne seems to increase in numbers during the holiday season. Everyone knows that once the flick of the switch illuminates Santa's Sleigh on the PNC Bank building, it's time to break out the candy canes and snowman sweaters.
9. You know the struggle of having a Friday night with nothing to do
The weekly, "Hey wanna hangout?" texts come pouring in after the 2:45 bell rings, but the response remains the same every time: "OK, what do you want to do?" BUT THAT'S THE CATCH. THERE ISN'T ANYTHING TO DO. You have the option to choose from a wide range of activities stemming from meeting to get coffee, meeting for dinner, or sharing Chinese takeout on your bedroom floor until 2 in the morning.
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Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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