Circus Act

Trying hard not to be too negative this morning, I'll begin with a positive comment.  In these hard economic times, I know that civic clubs struggle financially, just as individuals and businesses do. They must find creative ways to raise funds and cut operating costs while continuing their good works. Perhaps the Columbus Exchange Club swapped venues for their annual pancake breakfast from the stately Columbus Civic Center to the humble Shrine Club across from our house to protect their bottom line. 

 The scene that greeted me as I gathered the newspaper from the head of the driveway was a bit of a shocker, though. This year's theme, "Breakfast with Santa," honestly, looks more like a mashup of Shrine Bingo, Goofy Golf, and an elementary school Fall Festival. Between the inflatables, the bungee jump, and the ever-present Shrine Bingo sign, this part of the hood has not begun to be "looking a lot like Christmas." I guess Santa was inside...eating pancakes and hiding from Godzilla.