Pennsylvanians can probably agree that we're a pretty diverse state with strong-willed but kind people. But, would you say Pennsylvania is America's black sheep? Here are 21 ways Pennsylvania just might be America's black sheep and why we wouldn't have it any other way.
1. It's PA, not Pennsylvania.
Have you ever heard people from California or Missouri call their home state CA or MO? Nope. It's a PA thing.
2. We tell distance in time, not miles.
Ask us for directions but don't expect us to tell you to go five miles down the turnpike. You're more likely to hear, "Just head 10 minutes down the turnpike."
3. Some of us eat fries on our sandwiches while…
Fries on sandwiches all started with Primanti Brothers in the Burgh. How many Pennsylvanians eat fries on their sandwiches or salads?
4. Others eat a pie called Shoofly.
Thanks to the Pennsylvania Dutch, we can order a Shoofly Pie, a delightful dessert made with molasses.
5. Half of the state calls it pop and the other half…
Order a pop in Pittsburgh.
6. Calls it soda.
But make sure to request a soda in Philly. In between the two bookmark cities? You'll find the same dilemma – is it pop or soda?
7. We wear shorts in the winter…
A little cold weather doesn't scare us Pennsylvanians. Probably because we know the cold is likely to give way to milder temperatures, and back again, in only mere hours.
8. And hold wedding receptions in fire halls.
Fire halls provide the perfect setting for wedding receptions, reunions, birthday parties...anytime a Pennsylvanian throws a party.
9. Some say yinz and others say...
Give a shout out if you're one of those who refer to others as yinz.
10. Youse.
And raise your voice if it's youse like Philadelphians say.
11. We disagree over whether Wawa or...
Which is better: Wawa or Sheetz?
12. Sheetz is the best spot to stop for a quick bite.
It's an argument into which you don't want to get with a Pennsylvanian.
13. Some of us go sander racing while...
You read that right. Sander racing. In fact, the annual Beltsander Race, hosted by Bertie's Inn in Reading, will be held in early 2017.
14. Others prefer outhouse races and still others...
That's right. Pennsylvanians channel their creativity, making outhouses that they then race at such places as the Annual Dushore Outhouse Races every summer.
15. Race lawnmowers.
Want an adrenaline rush? Enter in a lawnmower race. But, first you might have to join the Lawn Mower Racing Association to be eligible.
16. Schools close for the first day of hunting season.
Kids generally get the Monday after Thanksgiving off from school because it's the first day of hunting season, of course.
17. We know what a mud sale at the fire hall means.
Amish communities in PA hold mud sales – selling locally made products from furniture to housewares – to benefit volunteer firefighter companies in Amish neighborhoods.
18. We can't buy a car on Sunday and we're okay with that.
State law forbids Pennsylvanians from purchasing a vehicle on Sundays. Pennsylvanians must be fine with it, too, because there's not been a call to change that law.
19. PA could easily be renamed the Pothole State.
Our fine state lays claim to the largest pothole. Archbald Pothole even has its own state park. But, if you can't get there to see it, no worries. You'll be dodging potholes no matter where you drive in PA.
20. We drink birch beer.
Birch beer. That's what we order if we have the choice between birch beer and root beer. (Yes, and it's just like it sounds. Birch beer is made from the sap of birch trees.)
21. We don't care what anyone says – PA is the best.
Pennsylvanians are incredibly diverse but there's probably one thing on which we can all agree: PA is the best and we're pretty lucky to live here.
Sure, some may say Pennsylvania is America's black sheep but the fact is we're pretty spoiled to live in such an amazing state, wouldn't you say?
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