The People Are What Make Plymouth Special

I love living in Plymouth for many reasons. I love the small town charm that it has, and I love hearing the train roll through. Hearing that train whistle, even in the middle of the night just makes me feel like I live out in the country, and even though it sometimes wakes me up, I am soon back to sleep, knowing that I have a couple more hours between the sheets.

I also like living close to things like Michigan football , Red Wing hockey, a decent sized mall to shop at, and a grocery store that I don't have to drive 20 miles to get to. In Plymouth, I believe we have the best of both worlds. The perks of the city, and the charm of a small town.

We have a thriving downtown, that is also quaint, with many beautiful old homes, and shops. We have the events at Kellogg Park. We have a wonderful library, and a beautiful Historical Museum of our very own. And of course the train.

We also have local groups that have their own important place in our community. I have become involved recently with the Plymouth VFW and as I attend more events, I am seeing more of my local friends at these events. Last night I attended my second Fish Fry at the VFW Post, and was happy to feel more and more at home there.

The people are friendly, conversation is funny and light, and the food is always great. No, the food is actually better than great. Not only is the food great, but the Ladies Auxiliary always bakes up a storm, and has about 30 feet of table space filled with just about any imaginable dessert a person could want. Everything is on a paper plate, and wrapped up to take home if you choose. Everything costs a dollar, and it is money well spent. I have named it the “Buck A Pop” table, and I have a routine now, that is working quite well for me.

I walk in and place my dinner order, then find a seat at a table. At this point, I grab a cold beverage or two, drop them off at my seat, and then it's on to the Buck A Pop Table. I always end up needing a bag, because when in doubt, I always grab one of each.

So last night, I brought my parents up to the fish fry, and promptly went through my pre-meal routine. I got back to the table, and my Dad being my Dad, couldn't help but take a peek inside my bag of goodies. It took all of 20 seconds for my Mom and Dad to hop up and head to the Buck A Pop table. They both came back with their own bags. I was not surprised.

Anyway, my parents loved their fish dinners, and the Mac & Cheese was also a hit with my Mom. They also enjoyed the company of Don & Bertie who sat with us for dinner. These two are friendly, and fun dinner partners. Don is a hoot, and we were happy that we ended up sitting with them.

I also ran into some of the folks that I see around town at other events, and it is always nice to see friends in this kind of setting. Sure, you may see these people at other places, in the course of doing your job, or whatever, but it's always special to be able to sit down and have a great meal with them in this relaxed setting, and chat about things other than work.

The coolest thing about events like this fish fry, is that you never know who you are going to be sitting with. The Fish Fry is so popular, that you simply can't meet there with another couple or two, and expect to get a table for 6 right on the spot, but that is the beauty of it. You either make new friends every time you go, or you renew old acquaintances, and you do it all in a great setting. You'll always see many people that you know, but you'll always have the chance to make new friends as well. The best of both worlds.

I guess the point that I am trying to make, is that events like the Plymouth VFW Fish Fry, and others as well, are the very thing that makes Plymouth such a great place to live. They are the essence of the small town feel that Plymouth gives us. Sure, you have the old homes, and the shops, but without the people, and the local places that we gather, it's all window dressing. I really like it here in Plymouth. It is a small town, filled with good people.

There is also the train...