When the Go Joe Charity Bike Ride rolls into Kunkletown on Thursday, WNEP meteorologist Joe Snedeker will be greeted with a group of fun ladies from the local thrift shop.

Donna Deihl, the manager of the Kunkletown Thrift Store in Eldred Township, said she plans to dress up in a gown like royalty. Many in her crew of volunteers at the store also plan to dress up in something silly for the occasion.

Deihl said Snedeker is used to them getting dressed up. She explained that he invites the public to submit pictures for him to show on television and gives them a theme.

“Whatever the theme is, we send pictures in,” she said.

Deihl said they try to make the picture fun to better their chances of it being put on the air. One time the theme was trimming trees, so one of the store volunteers dressed like Cinderella and held a chain saw by a tree. It was a quirky twist to the theme. Another time, they had a shell of a racing car, so one of the volunteers sat in side it and the rest held racing flags.

“That’s the kind of stuff he likes,” she said. “He puts our picture on the news on the weather quite often, and he always says women from the Kunkletown Thrift Store are crazy.”

Deihl invites anyone coming out to greet Snedeker to get dressed up, too.

“We’re expecting a big crowd,” she said. “We are hoping people can dress to show him what Kunkletown is like.”

The town has a strong Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, Deihl said, so she suggested big overalls for their farming background or really whatever they want.

“Whatever they wish, just silly,” she said.

Store volunteer Pat Storm added, “Everybody needs fun these days and a giggle.”

Snedeker will be rolling into town for his annual bike ride to raise money for the St. Joseph’s Center, an adult day care center in Scranton, around 3 p.m. on Thursday at the thrift store.

He began his trek on Monday at Marywood University and will cover almost 100 miles per day, completing his journey on Friday in Schuylkill County when the St. Joseph’s Center Festival Telethon begins.

“He’s amazing, this man,” Deihl said.

The thrift store will close at 2:30 to get ready for his arrival, and will reopen after he pedals off to his next stop and will be open until 7 p.m. It is located in the Eldred Township Community Center on Kunkletown Road.

Deihl said they are accepting donations for the fundraiser. There is a donation box on the checkout counter for people to drop in their spare change.

“We’d like to raise as much money as we can for St. Joe’s Center,” she said.

Anyone who wants to make a donation is welcome to stop by the store from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday. The store is always open Wednesday through Friday.

Deihl said they plan to have a big check for Snedeker on Thursday, both monetarily and physically.

“I’d like for it to say at least $1,000,” she said.

The tour will stop at the American Legion in Gilbert before Kunkletown. After Kunkletown, the tour will continue onto Palmerton, Weissport Park and Jim Thorpe. On Friday, the tour will continue in Eurana Park in Weatherly in the morning, and St. Luke’s Center in Tamaqua, Newkirk, Tuscarora Fire Department, Mary D and Brockton.