1. HELL IS REAL.
Yes, that is who we are. We are the city right before you drive by the giant HELL IS REAL sign on the side of 71. I remember driving past as a kid and giggling because there was a bad word posted up in big, bold, red letters. I still have no idea who put it there and how long it has been up. I just know that I consider that sign a significant part of my childhood.
2. The Big Splash was The Place to Be in Intermediate School.
I'd be lying if I didn't say I would spend every second I could during the summer at the Big Splash. A giant pool with water slides and concession stands, what more could a 12 year old ask for? I would beg my mom to take me for the day, and if she agreed, it was a dream come true. Too bad we all got older and realized how gross public pools can be.
3. If Columbus City Schools Canceled School, Then Everyone Canceled School.
It's 6:00am on a school day, but you're already awake, staring at the bottom of your screen, looking for that "South-Western City Schools - Closed" to scroll across. It has been snowing all night, and you did everything; flushed ice down the toilet, wore your pajamas inside out, the whole deal. Then, you see it; "Columbus City Schools - Closed" and you leap for joy. Everyone knew that if they closed, then EVERYONE closed shortly after. It was basically a done deal, and you would go back to bed a happy camper.
4. If You Wanted to Do Something With Friends, It Was Either Getting Food or Doing Illegal Activities.
Sorry parents, but it's true. Now, there are a few more options for fun things to do in good ol' GC, but back in the day, there wasn't. Sure, you could go to Steak N Shake or Roosters and have a great time, but kids get antsy and want to do something fun. So, we were pretty much forced to do illegal things, such as; TPing our friends/enemies, pool hopping in the summer, sneaking into R rated movies, and the list goes on. It was just a part of growing up in a small town.
5. Star Cinema is Where You Would go on Dates in 5th Grade, With Your Parents Sitting Right Behind You.
Were you really at Star Cinema if it didn't smell like burnt popcorn and you didn't see at least five people you knew? Before Rave came along, Star was one of the best movie theaters around, and you could tell. I was so glad when I got to an age where my parents would drop me off out front to see a movie with my friends and pick me up afterward. I felt like such an adult.
6. Flyers Pizza = The Best Pizza
I don't care what anyone says, Flyers Pizza is THE best. Maybe part of that is because it is local, and local food always tastes better, but still. Though I live out of town now, I always enjoy a trip to Flyers when I'm visiting on the weekends.
7. Everyone Owned a Tie-Dye GCHS DAWGS Shirt at One Point in Their Early Childhood.
One of the best times of the year was when the GCHS spirit wear catalogs would get sent around the the schools. I can think of at least 3 different tie-dye shirts I had, if not more. And on spirit days, you were able to show off your DAWGS gear, along with pretty much any other red or blue article of clothing you had.
8. Bubba's is a God-send.
Just like Flyers, Bubba's is a classic GC treat. How anyone can stand in what I would imagine to be a 5ft by 5ft box and serve frozen ice to people all day long in the summer is beyond me, but I'm thankful for it. There are so many different flavors to choose from, and it is cherish because you can only get Bubba's when it is warm.
9. Skate America... Enough Said.
Just like the Big Splash, this was the place to be, especially during the school year when it was colder out. It is so easy: you go in, rent your skates, and you get out on the rink. I have wiped out an embarrassing amount of times, but it's okay, because everyone has. One of my favorite parts of the evenings at Skate America, however, were playing the games to win tickets and trade them in for prizes. I would always go for the "poppers" - the things you would turn inside out and set them on a flat surface, then they would shoot into the air. Skate America never disappointed.
10. Everyone is Family.
Sure, we all have our disagreements, but what family doesn't? Grove City went through a lot over the years, especially while I was in high school. The losses of dear family and friends were such tragic times, but we all came together for support. It was amazing to watch people set aside their differences and focus instead of being there for one another.
Sure, I'll talk my crap about "Grove-tuckey," but I wouldn't have wanted to grow up anywhere else. The friends I have made and the experiences I've had all shaped me to be who I am today, and I'm thankful for that. I'll always be a Grove City Greyhound at heart.
