- Last Updated on Sunday, 28 February 2016 19:34
By Jill Brown
The Third Annual Hoodie Hoo Day – and largest-yet celebration – took place on February 20, 2016 in Magic City Square, Charleroi and was hosted by the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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| Deb Keefer, Executive Director of Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, joins in the fun by dancing at the event. |
Festivities began at 11 a.m., and as always, the group shouted “Hoodie Hoo” three times at noon to chase away remnants of winter weather. Clothes to mark the day were sold.
Northern Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day is now an official holiday recognized by wellcat.com, and Charleroi set the world record this year with over 100 people performing the shout simultaneously. According to President of Chamber Jamie Protin, “I’m very happy. The weather was beautiful. It really gets a lot of people into town. We had half as many people in 2014, and hopefully it will double again next year.”
The event occurs on February 20 every year, and the weather does not always cooperate. Last year’s Hoodie Hoo Day had to be cancelled due to bitter cold. Debra Keefer, Chamber Director, said, “I think we have a beautiful day to scare winter away for good. We’ve been blessed.” She accounts more people than 2014 to “a lot more marketing… the good weather and [the event being] on a Saturday.”
DJ Donn Henderson was the official announcer for the day.The temperature was officially 63 degrees. At five minutes until noon, Henderson said, “Let’s get ready,” and played the song “Twist and Shout.” He counted down to the big Hoodie Hoo shout. Then, finally at minutes after the precise hour, he yelled, “We’re breaking the world record! We’ve ended winter! Thanks to you and Hoodie!”
Activities included music, costume contests, dancing, hula and dance contests and a raffle. The raffle awarded merchandise from local businesses with over $1,000 in prizes. Winner of the raffle was Heather Close from Eighty-Four.
To keep updated of events held by the Chamber, visit the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. You may also find more info about Hoodie Hoo Day.
