James Joyce might have called it Finnegan's Wake, but to Canadians, it was just a sentimental goodbye to a dear, old friend.

"This funny old clown is going to make his exit now," said Ernie Coombs, 67, better known to generations of wide-eyed children as Mr. Dressup.

He taped the last episode of the much-loved children's television program yesterday at the CBC Broadcast Centre at John and Front Sts.

Coombs drew with a cerise crayon, sang a song about a circus, and put on his red clown nose on the soundstage as crew members -- some who have worked on the show for its entire 30-year run -- held back tears.

The puppets, however, weren't so restrained.

Tears and wine

"You're getting my shirt all wet!," Coombs chided sidekicks Truffles and Lorenzo (played by puppeteers Bob Dermer and Nina Keogh), as they playfully wept on his shoulder during dress rehearsal.

"Don't worry," he joked, "You're young yet, you'll find work!"

Yesterday's story meeting was business as usual, as the production team focused on a typical daily crisis.

"It's so iffy, trying to cut big holes in those eggs," said a concerned Coombs.

"Should we be buying larger eggs?" offered one staff member.

But at the wrap party after the set was torn down, tears -- along with plenty of wine -- were flowing.

"You are a companion and trusted friend to the child in all of us," federal Heritage Minister Sheila Copps told an overwhelmed and teary-eyed Coombs, as she announced the dedication of CBC's children's programming Wall of Fame to the host. "You'll live on in our hearts. You are a Canadian cultural icon."

Also on hand to offer their best wishes and thanks were CBC president Perrin Beatty and other network officials.

With a shaky voice, Coombs thanked his workmates for their dedication to the show. "Even though it was a children's show, it was worth doing to the best of everyone's abilities. This is a very emotional moment," he said, smiling. "I'm glad I got through it."

'Favorite clown'

Mr. Dressup's sets and props -- including the famous Tickle Trunk and Wise Owl -- will be put into storage for possible holiday specials.

"I told Ernie, 'You'll always be my favorite clown in the circus,' " said floor director Frank Quinn.

"I'm so glad he stuck it out as long as he did. I love him a lot."

During yesterday's rehearsal, Coombs gave his personal goodbye to his young viewers.

"Today, boys and girls, since it's my last day, I'm going to paint my face in clown makeup," he said, directly to the camera.

"And it's going to stay on forever."