SCHUYLKILL HAVEN -- It's a unique tradition in parts of Schuylkill County. On this date people go outside in funny hats and yell out "Hoodie Hoo."
It's meant to scare away winter and this year it fell on one of the coldest days of the season, making Hoodie Hoo this year an important mission, but maybe mission impossible.
"Hoodie Hoo, Hoodie Hoo, it's a special day. We go out and hoot and shout to chase the winter away."
Rehearsing the Hoodie Hoo anthem was just part of the intense training inside the Schuylkill Haven high rise. Never before has the mission of scaring away winter been as important. After all the cold and snow, yelling "Hoodie Hoo" had to be done just right. Even the mayor sent a proclamation showing the importance of the task.
"Whereas on this winter day, people should go outside at noon, wave their hands over their heads, and shout, "Hoodie Hoo!"
And as the clock ticked down, there was a pep rally of sorts here.
"No more snow, no more snow!"
"We need Hoodie Hoo more than ever this year!" said Janis Wise.
The "hoos" heard as they headed outside were more of surprise as wind-chills below zero first hit them. Winter was throwing its worst at the Hoodie Hoo-ers, but they were ready to fight back.
"Four, three, two, one, Hoodie Hoo, Hoodie Hoo, Hoodie hoo!!"
"Listen up old man winter, check out these crazy traditional hats, be afraid go away."
"It's four degrees and feels like minus 16!"
"It's been so cold, so we want it away!!" said Faye Steffie.
And for some here, it's personal.
"I woke up this morning with frozen pipes so this is going to work, no water, when I go home the water's going to be running!" said Barbara Brown of Schuylkill Haven.
"Oh, it's wonderful, we're hooting and hollering for Hoodie Hoo day!" said Steffie.
Their mission complete, the Hoodie Hoo-ers went to get warm with a reminder, there's science to this.
"But be advised, environmentally, scientifically it takes seven to ten days to take effect, so I don't want anyone to be discouraged by the snow we get this weekend," said Wise.