When people think of Perry they typically think of the Hotel Pattee. Granted, this place is awesome and I highly recommend staying in one of their 40 different themed rooms if you ever get the chance. Just save up some money first; it's a little pricey.

Or they think of the bike trails. This is fairly new to town, but the Raccoon River Valley Trail runs right through! It's a perfect chance to stop and spend a night at the Hotel Pattee on your way through!

Even though those are two big things that have put Perry on the map, there are some traits that make Perry special only people who grew up there would know.

1. Taco Truck is life.

Let’s be honest, this is by far the best food in town. Sure, there are two different trucks, but everyone has a preference and they are loyal customers to that truck. (Progressive truck is better, and they are only closed on Monday and Tuesday; you're welcome.)

2. Pupusas are a godsend.

If you haven't tried pupusas at El Buen Gusto for $1 on Thursdays, did you even grow up in Perry?

Seasoned beef and cheese inside a corn tortilla with cabbage and sauce on top: heaven. This is a staple meal at the 4th of July celebration, which brings me to my next point...

3. The 4th of July is a big deal.

We don't mess around when it comes to America's birthday. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and goes straight down Willis (you get enough candy to supply you for three years) and ends at the Pattee Park.

There you will find lots of food and activities, and the fireworks start around 10 p.m. Make sure to sit at the baseball fields or on the diagonal road by Tyson for good viewing!

4. The 25th of November is Christmas season.

We kick off Christmas the day after Thanksgiving by having a lighted Christmas parade around the main blocks in town. Don't forget to get your bag of popcorn and cup of hot cocoa!

5. Hungry after 10? Casey's Pizza.

Because all of our fast food places (McDonald's and Burger King) close at 10, your only options for food are Hy-Vee and Casey's Pizza.

Being the lazy people we are, we typically order pizza from Casey's. Note to all citizens: put them on speed dial; you'll thank me later.

6. What's that smell? Tyson.

We have a Tyson meat packing plant in town. Because of that, we become immune to the smell of manure and all things nasty at a young age. People who visit Perry are quick to comment on the smell, but we don't even notice anymore.

7. Soccer = life.

Soccer is everywhere. Literally. At the soccer field. At St. Pat's gym. At the REC Center. At every park. If you drive around Perry, I can guarantee that 90 percent of the time you will see someone playing soccer.

8. The "rock."

There's this giant rock in front of the high school that is traditionally painted on by seniors throughout the year. People get asked to homecoming and prom via the rock, students celebrate important weeks on it and when someone makes it to state, their name gets put on the rock!

That being said, the rock is a very territorial thing. If you aren't a senior at Perry, do not paint on the rock or you will be very sorry.

9. "Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours."

We heard this motto throughout all of our schooling. Chances are, sometimes you still say it to yourself, or you can hear Mr. Marburger's voice saying it.

10. Bluejays for life.

Sure, we all have our good and bad memories of Perry, but we still defend our town to any naysayers. Perry is a town of diversity and some really great food. In the end, we will always be Bluejays for life

We all grew up saying we wanted to leave and never come back, but our small "Perry-dise" will always have a piece of our hearts.