Lisa Hiles says a lot of people ask her the same question about Zoostock in Lansford.

Now in its 18th year, they ask how much money has been raised by the annual event for the Carbon/Schuylkill Unit of the American Cancer Society."I don't really know," she says, then tries tallying it in her head.She estimates that it could be more than $200,000.She said in the first eight years, about $5,000 to $10,000 per year was netted."From there it skyrocketed," she said. "For five or six years in a row it raised over $20,000 each year."Zoostock is held each Labor Day on the grounds of the Sports Zoo. With Hurricane Hermine deciding to take a sea journey instead of affecting local weather, the event this year was held under sunny skies with warm temperatures, resulting in a fantastic turnout.Robert Dobosh of Lansford, who said he attends every year, said the early turnout was the largest he's seen."It seems to be getting bigger and bigger. It's like one happy family," Dobosh said, pointing out that there is something for people of all ages.Matt Porambo of Coaldale watched as his young daughter, Alyssa, won a stuffed bear by breaking balloons with a dart."I love it," Porambo said of Zoostock. "I try to come every year. It's a good benefit toward cancer."Marissa Bonetsky of Lansford tried unsuccessfully to win a prize on the roulette wheel, then had an ice cream cone painted on her cheek.Ann Marie Calabrese, one of the organizers of Zoostock, said last year's festival raised $23,000 for the cancer society. She said the amount raised will be announced during the annual ACS Telethon in the spring.Jesse Hiles, owner of the Sports Zoo, said, "This is an awesome turnout. It's a beautiful day and the weather cooperated."One reason for the attendance was free entertainment throughout the day by musicians who volunteered their services for the benefit.In the afternoon, Cody Scott sang such hits as "Wagon Wheel" and Blake Shelton's "Austin" and Jay Smar sang about the coal mining heritage.Other singers were Lyle Mantz, LMN Duo, The 3 of Us, The Local Boys, Toolshed Jack and Another Day Dawns.There was food, drinks and various activities but it was obvious the socializing was one of the main draws for Zoostock."I think every year I feel more blessed to live in this area where the entire community comes together for the cancer society," Lisa Hiles said.