Whoever invented that saying about a snowball?s chance in heck didn?t know what he was talking about.
It may be as hot as Hades this week, but the snowballs are thriving.
Sharon?s Shaved Ice stand in Bel Air, for example, has served thousands the past few days, said 15-year-old Mike Javosky, who works there.
“On days like this when it?s really hot, it?s pretty much steady all day long,” he said.
And then there?s the rush about 7:30 p.m., with a line that stretches about 50 yards, added co-worker Emily Dapmen, 18.
Snowball stands are one of the few businesses that seem to be flourishing in this week?s intense heat.
Believe it or not, it?s too hot to sell ice cream, according to Tom Washburn, the owner of Moxley?s Ice Cream, with stores in Towson, Timonium, Bel Air and Baltimore City.
“Naturally, ice cream sells stronger when it?s warm,” he said.
But only up to a point.
“Up to 90 degrees, sales are strong,” he explained. “Beyond that, there?s diminishing returns.”
As temperatures climb toward triple digits, he said, customers don?t even want to go outside, not even to drive to an ice cream parlor.
“People lose their appetites when it gets hot out,” agreed Tim Price, general manager of the Ruby Tuesday restaurant in Bel Air.
If people are seeking relief in the cool confines of the Bel Air Safeway, it?s not translating into increased sales ? except sales of bottled water, which have doubled, said Manager Dennis Allabaugh.
