There’s something about seeing that stoplight in the distance as you’re driving back to the town you grew up in. A smile comes across your face when you start to see the familiar things in town. Those who grow up in a small town are different from those that don’t. There is such thing as a “small town feel”. The town I grew up in, is no different.

If you have heard of Delano, MN these might be some of the reasons why:

1. We have the biggest and largest Fourth of July Celebration in Minnesota.
2. The Peppermint Twist was voted the Best of MN–Drive In by WCCO.
3. You live there or someone you know lives there.

Other than that, you've probably never heard of our town. Delano, MN is the spot on the map that’s known as the first “hick” town west of the cities. Yes, we have cornfields, tractors driving on the roads, and everyone knows everyone. By the time we’re seniors in high school, we’re ready to embark on a new journey. In all reality, the majority of us end up back in the town of 5,000 because we miss it that much.

There are so many reasons that we fall in love with our town and end up going back. I asked around about what people's favorite things are about our town, I'm here to tell you what makes a small town like ours so special.

Local Businesses

You drive around town and whoever you’re with could tell you who owns that business. A new coffee shop goes up in town and it’s buzzed about for months and months. Everyone stops by opening week just to check it out–even if they don’t drink coffee. Not to mention, if you don’t make it to the Peppermint Twist at least once in a summer, you’re doing something wrong. There's something so great about walking into a business and knowing the owner's name.

Volunteerism

Our community wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for all of the people that come together and offer a helping hand. There are so many different little organizations within our small town that wouldn't run unless it was for the willingness of people to volunteer. Event and event continues to flourish with the help of those who love our town. It always amazes me to see the work that people put in when they are simply offering their time.

The Fourth of July

Of course, the Fourth of July in Delano is something that cannot go overlooked. Our town plans for this celebration for 365 days every year. As soon as this year's is done, they will start planning for next year's the day after. It is such an amazing celebration to see the town come together and welcome others either back to their hometown or to a town they’ve never been to. In all honesty, it's one big class reunion, every single year. Do we get tired of it? No, we soak up every damn day and it's our favorite part of summer.

Friday Night

Friday nights were by far my favorite nights in high school. You walk into school on Friday morning and the boys walk down the hallways wearing their jerseys, cowboy hats, and boots. Girls are wearing their superman shirts and an announcement is made as to what color the orange brigade will be wearing that night. The support that this town gives on not only Friday nights is impeccable. No matter a win or a loss, after the game, time is spent around a bonfire with good food and good friends. Nothing compares to Friday nights.

The People

It's hard to put into words what the people of Delano mean to anyone. Church on Sunday morning is not only a place to worship God but a place to catch up with your friends. After the service, hugs are given left and right, and no one leaves until an hour after the service. You walk around town and everyone waves or throws a smile your way. Be careful when you chose to go to the grocery store, you better have time because chances are you'll talk with someone you know for quite some time.

Coming Together

No town is perfect, we are all faced with challenges. However, when tragedy hits in a small town, you can always count on everyone in the community coming together to support one another. Whether celebrating the life of someone we love or sandbagging when the river floods. My grandma always says "many hands make light work," she was from a small town too.

It's Home

It's the place that made us who we are today. Our roots are what keeps us grounded. It's those small town values that show how much we care about others. There is something different about people who come from a small town. Their personalities are different, their heart is different. After all, theres no place like home.

"I wouldn't trade a single day, here, in small town USA."