Every Labor Day, the west end of Lansford is transformed into the tie-dyed cancer-fighting bash known as Zoostock.

Over the 18-year history of the live music festival, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised to benefit the American Cancer Society.The 2016 edition of Zoostock will be no different as it takes center stage on Mondayon the grounds of the Sports Zoo, 390 W. Snyder Ave.Music begins at noon. The acts scheduled to performare Jay Smar, Lyle Mantz, Cody Scott, LMN Duo, The 3 of Us, The Local Boys, Toolshed Jack and Another Day Dawns.Smar summons the history of the coal regions with his American Folk music. A Panther Valley native, Smar established his reputation with his album "The Ballad of Glen Onoko."Carbon County-based hard rock band Another Day Dawns has opened for Sammy Hagar, Fuel and other well-known acts. And that was all before they were 20 years old.All the food sold at the event is made by local groups, like the Black Diamond Parrotheads, which has a burger stand.The cost to enter the event is free.That's because much of the event is subsidized through donations from local businesses, and the fundraising work of the Zoo crew.Attendees will have a chance to purchase the signature Zoostock tie-dye T-shirt.Every year, the organizers create a unique tie-dye shirt and choose a new slogan to adorn it.This year's slogan is "The best memories start with best friends.""The outpouring of generosity from the people in our community and how much it just shows that they genuinely care about one another and they share in our goal," Lisa Hiles said.Last year, the Zoo crew raised more than $23,000 for the Carbon/Tamaqua Unit of the American Cancer Society. That includes the proceeds from Zoostock, as well as their annual run and golf event.Hiles said that even after 18 years, the goal of someday eliminating cancer is still a powerful motivation when it comes to holding the event."We have all been affected in some way shape or form. And we come together not only on this one day but all year to show our support," she said.