The Lehigh Valley is a wonderful place full of people from vastly different backgrounds. One of the many things that make it so beautiful is that even though it is vastly diverse, there are a few things that we all have in common, regardless of background. Here are 11 of the few!
1. Dorney Park was your main hangout in middle school
The day your parents let you and your friends go alone was the day you entered into the real world. You're also very confused as you get older and hear people from other places talking about how they're planning a family trip to Dorney...because...why?
2. You've heard Parkland referred to as the "Rich School"
And if you went there, it made you laugh every time because chances are, you aren't that "rich". You're also never able to fathom why you could afford new television's and smartboards but had to buy your own vocab books years after you've graduated.
3. You've been to a dirty concert at Croc Rock
And your parents have had a heart attack dropping you off and/or picking you up. I mean, what could go wrong? A run down shack in the middle of Allentown known for mosh pits and rock and roll?!
4. You've had/been to a party at Planet Trog
And you made up some super lame code name like Cap'n Crunch Time. You also made fun of the boys that took it way too seriously and still lost to your far superior laser tag skills.
5. You've been late to school because you got stuck behind a tractor on the way
"Yeah, hi, I know missed the first 3 periods of the day but it's because I got stuck in tractor traffic"
And yet somehow, they still understood.
6. The first time you went to half apps you looked like a slob and quickly realized half the population goes there
"I probably won't see anyone I know"
*In fact does see everyone I know*
7. Telling everyone you're from Allentown even if you aren't because no one has ever heard of Schnecksville
And if they still don't know Allentown you hit 'em with the "an hour from Philly" response.
8. You get excited every time a TV show or movie references Allentown
Especially The Office. I want to join Jan at her Lamaze classes one day!
9. You're extremely impressed with the new PPL center
Because you really, truly thought Allentown was a heaping mess that nothing could save.
10. You can finish your Cali Burrito in milliseconds
Before anyone can ask is you're willing to share, because, duh, you aren't.
While these are only a few of the unifying characteristics of people from the Valley, it still never fails to feel like home no matter how long you've been away.
11. Two words: Steel Stacks
And you've been to at least 100000 of the games played on the big screens there.