Scranton, Pennsylvania definitely has some unique traits and quirks, like most cities. Many people may know it from the TV show "The Office" or for the Steamtown Marathon, but there is so much more to The Electric City. Here is a list of nine things that anyone from Scranton knows to be true.
1. You pronounce Scranton “Scrantn”.
The “o” just simply does not exist. Sometimes we catch ourselves and pronounce it the ‘correct’ way, but we all pronounce it without the "o".
2. One of your parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, friend’s parents, friend’s relatives, etc. is a teacher at for the school district.
Teachers are a big part of our lives, especially in Scranton. Everyone who lives in Scranton has a teacher in their family and they work for the school district. Scranton may seem big, but it’s honestly feels small when you go to the grocery store with your mom and half of the kids in the store are her former or present students.
3. Also, everyone knows each other.
No matter where you live in Scranton, you find that everyone knows one another. Your mother’s childhood friend who’s sister she now works with has a niece who lived on the same floor as you your freshman year of college. Once you find out someone is from Scranton, you immediately ask your mom if she knows the last name and you find out that she graduated with that person's father.
4. You have a strong opinion about where your loyalty lies for the Bell Game.
The Bell Game is a huge deal in Scranton. It is the famous game between West Scranton High School and Scranton High School. You’re either blue and white or red and gold. People get pumped for this game and there are always fights during the game. Nevertheless, it’s a big deal for everyone.
5. Going to see the lights at Nay Aug is an absolute must!
The lights are just so beautiful and everyone goes to see them. It isn’t Christmastime until you have gone to see the lights and then make a quick stop at Krispy Kreme.
6. Distance is measured in minutes.
Not miles, not how many blocks away, not how many stop lights, not how many yards, not how many Churches or pine trees, but minutes. Maybe this is just a general Northeastern PA thing, but ask anyone in Scranton how far away something is and they will say, “Oh, that’s x amount of minutes away!”
7. It’s “The U”
The University of Scranton is always referred to as “The U”. Period.
8. Parade Day is considered a holiday in your book.
Parade Day in Scranton is one of the biggest ‘holidays’, next to Christmas, and whenever your birthday is. It is a huge event and everyone decks themselves out in green for the day and enjoys the festivities the parade has to bring.
9. You tell everyone about Kelly’s Wings
Everyone who lives in Scranton has been to Kelly’s Pub& Eatery and orders their wings. It is a family-friendly restaurant and where most kids were introduced to the world of good wings.
