Though the town of Vandalia, Illinois may not be very big, it is large in number with unique characteristics that make it stand out from the rest. We may not have a mall or a Buffalo Wild Wings, but Vandalia has a special place in each and every one of our hearts.
1. You didn't grow up here without taking 5+ trips to the Old State Capital
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When most people come through Vandalia, they are shocked to hear that it was the second capital of Illinois. For you, it barely ever crosses your mind because you've had it drilled into your brain since you were young. You can visually imagine the inside of the Old State Capital building because you've probably been in there half a dozen times whether it was for a field trip, or prom pictures.
2. You know warm weather is around the corner when Dairy Queen opens
Yes, for those who aren't from here, we have a Dairy Queen that is open by the season. Crazy, right? Winter is 10x longer here because everybody is waiting for that first sunny day in order to finally get that Blizzard they've been waiting for.
3. You dreaded the first weeks of school because the high school didn't have air conditioning
Oh, you wore pants to the first day of class? Wrong decision on your part. Though dripping sweat wasn't the most incredible aspect of those first weeks of school, at least you got out early due to the heat schedule.
4. You knew it was Christmas season when the giant Christmas tree was put on the top of the hill overlooking Gallatin Street
The day you drove past the ginormous Christmas tree on Gallatin was the day you decided that the holiday season was finally here. You adored it's beautiful ornaments and wondered how the heck they got a tree of that size to that exact spot.
5. You know how much Vandalia loves their sports teams
From the "Friday night lights" of football in the cool autumn months, to the Holiday Basketball Tournament during the winter, you can tell how much support Vandalia gives to their sports teams. Whether it was a volleyball game or a baseball game, there was always a crowd to cheer.
6. You know how important the Vandalia vs. Greenville games were
Every school has that "rival." Vandalia's rival would have to be Greenville. Though most of us knew several people from Greenville, it was always a packed night when the Comets were playing the Vandals.
7. It was normal for you to know people from the surrounding towns
In most cities, you're lucky to know everybody in the town that you live in. In Vandalia, we were able to know a majority of the people in our city along with communities such as Ramsey, St.Elmo, and Brownstown.
8. You spent your days at Vandalia Lake during the summer
The majority of your summer growing up was spent at Vandalia Lake. If you were a regular to the lake, the rope swing and "party cove" was where you were always found.
9. You've always wondered why there is a mini Gateway Arch next to the Travelodge
I'm sure that there is a reason to why this is here, but until then, I will just assume that we are the "second St.Louis" AND second capital of Illinois. You know of people that always remember Vandalia as having the mini-arch that is right off of Interstate 70.
10. You will always remember Vandalia for the memories that it gave you
Although you may claim to hate it sometimes, Vandalia is a place that will always be remembered for the memories it gave you. No matter where you go in life, whether it's across the country or a neighboring town, you will always call Vandalia your true hometown.
