Ligonier, a town with a population of around 4,500. 4,500 of which is at least 51% Latinos. Unless you're from Goshen or Kendaville, not many people have heard of Ligonier. Every time I introduce myself in college and mentioned where I am from, people stare at me as if I came from another planet. I'm sure many of you have come across this look on people's faces too.
1. You went to West Noble.
Unless you're an older generation, you more than likely went to or go to West Noble. A small school filled with the people you grew up with for 13 years. And teachers and administrators you'll build a parent-like relationship wit. Woo West Noble Chargers!
2. You refer to Ligonier as 260 or Liggy.
It's our area code and a nickname, I know we're very original.
3. If you throw a party at Bonilla's, you've invited the whole town.
Word spreads as fast as the music.
4. You're a rapper.
Jk we just have a lot rappers in our town who work hard on their music.
5. Downtown is less than a mile long.
People from big cities laugh when I show them my downtown, but at least we have good restaurants to go to.
6. The Marshmellow Festival
Ligonier throws a small festival every Labor Day weekend in honor of the old marshmallow factory that once existed in Ligonier. Although you here youngsters whine about how lame it is, you still see everyone there. (There's free marshmallows too)
7. Cornfields
Our borders are cornfields. We have cornfields all the way from East to the West.
8. You can name everyone in your class/school
Regardless if you know someone personally or not, you know their name and backstory. Why? Because you've been around them for the longest time.
9. Buggies
Horse buggies are a pain in the neck sometimes when you're in a rush to go somewhere and you can't pass them.
10. You love your hometown
Growing up, getting away from Ligonier was definitely one my plans after I started to search for a career in my future. Now that I'm in college away from home, I miss it. I miss the people, restaurants, and so much more. Ligonier may be small with not many things to do, but behind Ligonier there is a community here that is special. People may laugh at how small our town is but they don't know how unique it is because they've never lived here. The city is great, but it's not my home. Ligonier holds my memories, friends, favorite food, and my heart. The drama is something you'll look back at and laugh at how stupid it truly was. Regardless if I or anyone else decides to come back, wherever we go or the things we accomplish, we have to give partial credit to the town that built and formed us.
