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It's winter in the West: faux snow Southlanders make do when weather doesn't

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By Zeke Barlow, December 21, 2006

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The snowman had melted. Well, not melted. You'd need snow for that. This is Southern California. There is no snow here, no real discernible winter, no blizzards, no snowballs, no runny noses.

Those wanting snow need only call Jeremy Vargus. Vargus is a partner in RPI Entertainment, a group that puts on elaborate snow-making productions around the globe and down the street at the Simi Valley Town Center every night until Saturday.

Vargus' company has a patent on a special mix of chemicals that, when blown, has the look and feel of snow. It melts on contact and doesn't leave that black, dirty snow that those in less fortunate climes are left with after storms.

People can't get enough of his faux snow, he said — they just don't want to get cold feet while playing in it.

"I think the notion of ‘Yes, I want to see snow but not be cold' is right along with that Southern California mentality that is the best of both worlds."

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For product and show information, please contact Rebecca at RPI Entertainment & Media Group: rgalo@rpientertainment.com