Well 1999 came in with a bang. I was Mr. B the clown for the Main Event in downtown Columbia on New Years Eve. The city brought in a snow blower and snowed about a half block of Main Street. This was done by first covering the street with hay and then blowing snow (really ice) over the hay so that it would appear soft and fluffy. Picture this - two clowns, 5000 kids and 50 tons of snow (really ice). The other clown and I never stood a chance. I made 5000 balloon swords. That's more swords than were here when Sherman attacked Columbia during the Civil War. Still the same amount of damage occured.
   Then it was decided that the snow (really ice) had to be removed. It appears that someone was afraid that the snow (really ice) would be a problem for all the Saturday traffic (really none) on Main Street. Big mistake! Why wait till the event was over and everyone was gone to clean up this giant mess. Lets do it while the crowd is still here watching the fire works. Once again, picture this - two clowns, 5000 kids, fire works, 50 tons of snow (really ice) and a fire engine flooding (yes flooding) the street in an attempt to melt the snow. You guessed it, it didn't work. DUH! Imediately the drains became clogged with 50 tons of snow (really ice) and straw, and the water level started to rise - rapidly. Only Noah saw more water coming than I did . RUN! Every man and clown for himself. Two giant street sweepers suddenly appear on the scene to sling snow (really ice) and straw at the crowd. Now let's set off fireworks and welcome in 1999 with fire, ice, and a flood. Welcome to South Carolina.
 
                                                                                 Carl