Some of the things that make Boone County, Boone County, may be similar to a lot of other towns and counties. But that doesn't make them any less unique to the place I call my home.
How do you know you are from Boone County?
1. You may have tried to drive a tractor to school, but you got in big trouble.
This has happened. I tried to drive my dads to school, and the principal told me it ruined our image. It was only allowed during FFA week.
2. Driving to school means driving to the middle of nowhere.
This is mostly true for Western Boone Students. The district is so huge, and the high school is in between like 4 towns.
3. When you think Boone County, you think three towns.
Our big three are Lebanon, Thorntown, and Zionsville. But there are a lot more. But most people just think these three. And the rivalry is intense.
4. The town rivalries are crazy.
One time, there was a brawl between Western Boone High School and Lebanon. Seriously happened.
5. Hating Zionsville because it was the preppy part of the county.
Zionsville was and is the nicer and biggest of the cities in Boone County. When new construction on roads happen like our new roundabouts- the insult started. " We aren't Zionsville. Why are you trying to make us that?"
6. Your summer job is probably in a factory or in a field.
Honestly, if you are working in Boone County these are the biggest options. There are countless factories and farmers who need help.
7. The county Facebook pages are nothing but complaints.
Complaints about neighbors, schools, etc. It doesn't matter the topic. People have to be jerks about everything and never agree that something is wrong. They also cause people to be falsely served "public nuisance reports."
8. The festival season is the only excitement in the county.
We really don't have a lot of fun things to do. Between the Fifties festival, the fourth of July carnival and the Turning Leaves Festival (and a few smaller ones) that's the only time people are out and staying out of trouble.
9. You know everyone and all of their business.
Honestly, we have played the same kids for years in sports. There aren't a lot of places to go that you don't see someone you know. There are no secrets. Everyone knows what you did last summer.
10. You can't go anywhere without seeing people you know.
Seriously, why do I see everyone I know at Walmart the same day? And then at lunch? Go away!
11. Certain last names bring red flags.
This is true for a few towns. Families have reputations because of members in the family. Some good, some bad. But if you here a certain last name, you know about every person in their family and what they have done.
12. When there are clouds, no one knows how to drive.
Clouds, rain, snow, if it isn't sunny, people forget how to drive. They literally are all over the road! Driving doesn't change because the weather does people!
13. There are a hundred ways to get anywhere you wanna go.
Between back roads, and different town roads, you can go to the same area a ton of different ways.
14. The fourth of July carnival in Lebanon brings out EVERYONE.
Your brother's ex-girlfriend, your sister's ex-best friend, that creeper from your math class freshman year. They are all there. The carnival is one of or biggest events, and you're lame if you don't go. and the Anything Goes contest is insane.
15. When Ice Cream Paradise opens, everyone flocks to it.
The line has been out onto the highway before. ICP brings a new meaning to paradise. If you're in Boone County, it is a must have.
16. Shopping means a lot of driving.
For good groceries or food, you have to go to Lebanon or Zionsville basically. Thorntown just got a gas station, Advance has nothing really. Some towns don't even have a post office. Your options are very limited. and a mall is an hour drive away.
17. Everyone is related.
Somewhere down the line, your neighbor is your cousin. Why?
18. The Boone Beat is your favorite part of the paper.
The Lebanon Reporter includes a listing of all of the 911 calls every day. Some of these are hilarious! A chicken loose? A guy in costume in the parking lot at McDonald's? The kid that bullied you in high school busted for drunk driving? These are so worth your time.
19. Never know what the weather is gonna be.
I mean this goes for anywhere. But I don't know how many times I have driven across town and it was raining but the other end is sun. "Don't like the weather, drive five minutes!" That is my mom's favorite line.
20. You love it anyway.
There's a lot to not like around here. But everyone is family, and someone will always have your back. Boone County is home.
