By Kenny Varner

LEWISTOWN – It’s been quite a sad year for Longtime Mifflin County residents as the area lost yet another iconic landmark that brought so many great memories to the area Red’s Diner.

As a lot of locals know by now Red’s Diner had shut its doors over a week ago to a lot of dismay and sadness.

Some might ask ‘What does this have to do with local sports?”.

Well indirectly it does. During the 60-mid-90’s Reds was the spot to go before and especially after a night of local high school football and basketball games.

It was also a spot to celebrate a victory or have your parents help you get over a loss with one of their classic Strawberry milkshakes.

Red’s was THE SPOT on Friday’s and Saturday’s as you always had to stand in line to get a seat. Though with the rerouting of 322 changed most of that, it remained the spot for most locals.

While waiting in those lines, the smell of the burgers and fries on the grill got you excited for finding a seat and ordering.

On the right side of the line was a huge candy counter that would always display certs, Hershey bars and my personal favorite, Topps Baseball Cards.

The most of the waitresses that worked there were very friendly. One in particular was one the nicknamed “Mom”. Never did know her real name but she reminded me of country singer from the 80’s Crystal Gale. She was a staple there for most of my childhood and into my 20’s. She was one of the best waitresses I have ever had there.

Who could forget a Friday before a football game as a kid where you would be excited all week to go there and then go over to watch your favorite high school football team at Mitchell Field.

Most of the time my selection on the menu was their Pizza Burgers, Tossed Salads and Fries. Finishing off the meal I would have either a homemade chocolate or Cherry Coke. As I’m writing this my mind is aching for just one more meal there.

Other memories were of their breakfast’s. Classic staples of a young kids menu as he would load up on a big breakfast before heading out to play baseball, football or basketball at the YMCA. Moments in my past that still remain vivid and clear as today.

Who could also forget the Diner being opened 24/7. The breakfast that was tasty in the mornings seemed even tastier after a night of enjoying a casual night out with friends.

The set up inside was set up like what many TV viewers would think of in a truck stop diner. It was very basic with a bar for the lone truckers to sit and drink their coffee and eat a hot meal before restarting their drive.

In the sides of both sides of the diner were the huge round seats that were a favorite to most. That would be the seat to get when you got the chance to sit to start your dining.

I personally had many special moments of sports celebrations and not so great sports lowlights that ended up with a special trip to the iconic diner. It almost seems fitting that the same time frame of Mitchell Field shut its gates that Red’s would close.

At times they seemed to be linked hand-in-hand in the Southside of Lewistown.

I had the pleasure of introducing my children to the very place that had so many special memories for me. With them it even added more as they grew up on the same food and family moments that I did.

They say all good things must come to an end. But I’m still hoping someone will stand up and reopen this Landmark to give future generations a place to have those special moments that I had the luck of experiencing.

Goodby my friend! We will never forget you!! Thanks for the memories!