FEB. 21: Feeling like shouting winter away? Your chance is coming, promptly at noon Feb. 21. That’s the 2026 Hoodie Hoo Day — the 13th annual celebration sponsored by Allegany Trails Inc. and “2 Sisters and a Smoker” Restaurant in Shongo, N.Y., just south of Wellsville. 

The event — “Drive the 25-26 Winter Away” — will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Promptly at noon, everyone must go outside, raise their hands over their heads and yell “Hoodie Hoo” three times! Wear funny hats, wave things in the air that represent spring, make a lot of noise and have fun.

Hoodie Hoo Day was started by Betty Tomack in the Gold, Pa., General Store (now closed) more than 40 years ago, legend has it. The event is still near the Genesee River, just moved downstream into southern Allegany County, N.Y.

This year’s celebration will include free chili with cornbread, tea and coffee. Other food is available in the restaurant, located at 605 State Route 19, Wellsville, NY 14895. Country and Blue Grass Music by “Gold in them Hills” will start at 11 a.m.

For those who ride horses to the Hoodie Hoo event, a hitching post is on the West side of the restaurant.

For more information, call the restaurant at (585) 296-1024 and ask for Tammy or Shelley.

Remember, the idea is to wave goodbye to winter and to welcome spring. Everybody’s sick of winter and ready to herald in the green grass and blooming flowers of spring.

In the southern hemisphere, where seasons are reversed, Hoodie Hoo Day is Aug. 22. It’s become a worldwide tradition to encourage joy and welcome warmer weather.

Still a couple weeks away, but we sure hope lots of voices are raised to chase away winter this year!