A good party is never ruined by rain.

Obviously that's how the masses who attended the 13th annual Zoostock in Lansford felt.The Labor Day event was held on the grounds of the Sports Zoo.There was a little rain at times, but a threat of rain was evident all day. It didn't infringe on the festival, which raises funds for the Carbon/Schuylkill Unit of the American Cancer Society, from being another success.Even a weather-related incident didn't mar the festivities.Lisa Hiles, a coordinator, said storms during the preceding night blew the roof off the temporary stage.Her husband, David Hiles, said he and other volunteers were on the site at 6 a.m. Monday morning replacing the roof.As a result, he said a permanent stage will be constructed for next year's Zoostock.Last year's Zoostock netted $25,000 for the Cancer Society, although the funds from the festival are combined with other events held by the Zoostock committee.Lisa said it is too early to determine what amount was achieved at this year's event.She stood near Smitty's French Fries stand and observed how the attendance steadily grew throughout the day."People are coming in despite the weather," she said. "There are groups of six and eight people coming in at a time."She said that usually a lot of people come to Zoostock on motorcycles. The number of bikes was down significantly this year apparently due to the weather.Karen Billogi of Wilkes-Barre said this was her first visit to Zoostock. "I heard about it and thought I would come down," she said. "I had a lot of fun and found new friends. It's a very nice event. The music is awesome and I love Smittie's pierogies."Numerous bands volunteered their services, including Brad and Luke & the Jersey Cartwrights, which had a special surprise.Performing with them was noted folk singer Jay Smar, a Panther Valley native who has received widespread recognition for his music, especially his original tales of the coal region.Smar just returned from Branson, Mo. and was convinced by friends who are members of the Jersey Cartwrights to play at the event.Other bands which playedwere Colin Jones, Cody Scott,

A.D.D., Story of Another, Toolshed Jack, YMI, and Category 5.