<P> By the 1870s, the snowball's popularity had risen to the degree that in the warm summer months, theaters would sell snowballs to keep their patrons cool . Because of this association with the theater, snowballs were thought of as an upper - class commodity . Signs in theaters instructing patrons to finish their snowballs before coming in to the second act are the earliest tangible evidence of snowballs . In the theaters in Baltimore during the time hand shavers were used to shave the ice . Around the city, snowballs were served on newspaper, but in the classy theaters, butchers' boats were used . In the 1890s, many people started to invent easier ways to make snowballs . In that decade, patents for electric ice shavers were filed . </P> <P> During the Great Depression and World War II, snowballs became available outside of Baltimore . As snowballs were so cheap, they were one of the few treats that people could afford . This inexpensiveness earned snowballs the nicknames Hard Times Sundae and Penny Sunday . People in need of a job could sell snowballs, as it required little overhead . The treat became more popular during World War II, when all available ice cream was sent to soldiers, creating a need for an icy treat . This newfound lack of competition helped snowballs become popular across the country . </P> <P> In Hawaii, "shave ice" is similar to snowballs, and is sold in cone - shaped paper cups . "Rainbow," a popular flavor, consists of three colors of syrup chosen usually for their color rather than their taste compatibility . Commonly, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweetened azuki beans is first added to the bottom of the cup and is capped with condensed milk . </P> <P> Vendors in Texas and northern Mexico serve finely shaved ice desserts . Called a raspa, they are usually sold from a roadside stand or trailer . They come in many flavors, including leche (milk and cinnamon) and picosito (the Spanish word for' spicy' made with lemon and chili powder .). In central and southern Mexico it is called "raspado" (Spanish for' shaved'), most commonly bought from street cart vendors, and both sugar syrups or chili flavors are added . In Costa Rica, these are called "copos" (Spanish for' flake', as in' ice flake') and are sold in a very similar fashion, though no spicy or chili options are available . </P>

What flavors are in a rainbow snow cone
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