Feb 15, 2016 2 min read

CHARLEROI – A chamber of commerce director in Charleroi heard a TV weatherman discussing a madcap holiday named Hoodie Hoo Day to chase away the winter blues a few years ago, and she thought it would be a great promotion for the town.

“I thought, ‘Isn’t that the cutest idea?'” said Debra Keefer, executive director of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Keefer said her board of directors initially thought she was crazy for suggesting such an event, but they decided to give it a try.

The silly holiday was invented 23 years ago by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Pennsylvania, who have created and trademarked nearly 70 other offbeat celebrations, including Eat What You Want Day every May 11.

Hoodie Hoo Day encourages people to gather for a countdown to noon Feb. 20, at which time they wave their hands above their heads and yell “hoodie hoo” three times. Keefer said she wants people who come to Charleroi that day to wear silly, eccentric and colorful clothing, because there will be trophies for the best group and best individual.

More than 300 people turned out in the borough when the first Hoodie Hoo Day was held there three years ago.

The following year the day was a bust because temperatures on Feb. 20, 2015, were in the negative digits, Keefer said.

Keefer said she believes Charleroi brings out the largest crowds for the holiday. She said she has searched the Internet tirelessly for other Hoodie Hoo Day events and has found only small celebrations.

“We’re trying to think of a way to get people into the downtown during the winter,” Keefer said.

She’s expecting a record crowd this year as early predictions show temperatures in the 50s on Feb. 20, which also is a Saturday when more people won’t be working.

“We want it to be a signature event for Charleroi, like Groundhog Day is for Punxsutawney,” she said.

Twenty Charleroi businesses are participating in the event, which features local disc jockey Donn Henderson, dancing and discounts at stores and restaurants.

Keefer also will be guest bartender to raise money for charity from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at Salatino’s River House Cafe next door to Magic City Square at Fifth Street and McKean Avenue, where Hoodie Hoo Day will be celebrated, beginning at 11 a.m.