'Hoodie Hoo Day' sends message to 'ol man winter

One of Potter County's strangest traditions was observed on Wednesday at the Gold General Store.

Gathered together under the preposterous assumption that a group of people could command Mother Nature to change her ways, Hoodie Hoo Day attracted a sizeable turnout.

At precisely noon, the group of about 50 observers progressed to the business's front entrance to wave their hands over their heads and shout, "Hoodie Hoo."

Hoodie Hoo Day is a copyrighted northern hemisphere tradition, observed each Feb. 20. It was created to chase away winter and bring in spring. The premise is that everyone in the northern hemisphere is sick and tired of winter at this point and feeling antsy from being cooped up inside and not seeing the sun.

Sunny skies did return to the region on Thursday, suggesting that the Hoodie Hoo celebrators may be onto something.

George Morley (front, second from left), octogenarian, patriarch and popular musician from Ulysses, originated the Potter County Hoodie Hoo Day celebration. His band provided country and bluegrass music, while those gathered enjoyed a variety of homemade food and camaraderie that warmed the heart.

Radio Station WFRM broadcast live from the event, with station manager Gerri Miller - a fervent Hoodie Hoo Day supporter -- at the microphone.

One of the participants, Boots Haskins, said there's only one way for doubters to become believers: "Come and give it a try next year, on February 20, right back here at the Gold General Store."