Those of us that live near Harrisburg know of a climate challenge that awaits for those who go downtown during the coldest days of the winter. It's that time of year we all think about it, since we've already had a taste of bitter winds and chilly temperatures, and there's plenty more of that, and more extreme versions of it, that await us over the next 4 months or so.
Harrisburg, being a state capitol and all, is full of larger buildings that house the state government, from the Capitol Building to various office buildings and parking lots. In addition, all the other organizations that huddle near state government - associations and lobbyists and public interest groups and law firms and the rest - need office space as well. So, Harrisburg, which didn't have that many tall office buildings when we moved here in 1991, has been building them to keep up with demand since that time.
Anyone that has walked in Harrisburg on a wet and blustery winter day knows what these buildings can do - accentuate the gusts of wind. Umbrellas take a beating here, like any other cityscape with similar weather and taller buildings.
But there's a greater risk to umbrellas - and anyone else - walking through Harrisburg on our coldest days. From the heights fall the weather-delivered terror, potentially fatal: frozen pigeons. Once we've had a few days with temperatures never tipping past 20, the risk is there. Pedestrians must keep an eye to the sky in case a gust blows a frozen bird off its ledge and tumbling to the sidewalks below. We are a friendly folk, however, and good samaritans will shout "look out" to those not looking, and all will duck as quickly as possible towards doorways or other protection. Pity the poor individual that slips on ice and can't avoid the falling block of pigeon-ice, a fate of pain or perhaps worse.
The last few years the frozen pigeons have caused a bit of a fashion statement in Harrisburg - the shield. I, myself, now bring one when I have to go downtown, rather than an umbrella, on those coldest surly days.
It's heavy but far better protection than an umbrella. If you come to Harrisburg in January, you might want to stop by Hank's in Strawberry Square, you can get a newspaper and a shield at a reasonable price.
