Cambria County, PA — An unofficial Thanksgiving-Eve holiday tradition is popular in our region. You might know it as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving.”

Bar owners I spoke with say they enjoy the increase in business, they understand the risks that come, when more people than normal drink alcohol, and the strain it can put on emergency responders.

One Johnstown bar owner tells me he encourages anyone under the influence to plan on having someone else drive them home.

First responders and law enforcement officials say the day before thanksgiving is among the busiest of the year for them.

“There’s a lot involved when it comes to nights like this, as far as our police and fire and our ambulance services especially. So when there are vehicle accidents where ambulance services are needed, that’s a burden on our services, because they’re not only handling the normal calls, but now they’re also busy on a well known busier night. So hopefully again, everyone stays safe tonight.” says Cambria County Emergency Services Director, Tom Davis.

Officer Gage Hale, with Richland Township Police Department tells me anyone under the influence must have a designated driver, who is not under the influence. “Impaired driving is deadly. No one should have to take that risk, or want to take that risk.” says Hale.

Officials say if you don’t have a designated driver, services including Uber, or Lyft should be available.