It had been a tradition in Lansford for 20 years.

Zoostock, as it was then known as, was a Labor Day music festival that had been held in the borough since its formation.

In 2018, the annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society lost its home, and volunteers found themselves in a pinch.

The following year, the event not only got new leadership, but a new name and a new home.

Jerry McAward, owner of the Lehighton Outdoor Center, took over and re-christened the event LOCStock and Barrel.

Not only did McAward provide a new home, he also reinstituted the Raft Against Cancer Race, which hadn’t been held since the 1990s.

For his efforts, McAward is among a select group of individuals and organizations set to be recognized for their outstanding efforts in the everyday fight against cancer.

The Cancer Telethon Organization will hold the annual Cancer Fighters Dinner on Sunday at Chantilly’s Banquet Hall in Barnesville, at which time McAward will receive the “Fundraiser Spotlight Award.”

“This award, I think there’s a lot more deserving people,” McAward said. “I think it was more they were appreciative to start an event that has a lot of growth potential.”

McAward said he’s proud of the fact that the Lehighton Outdoor Center can be the hub for community events, and added it hosts the wine fest and Lehighton fireworks, in addition to the raft race.

“Everybody’s been touched by cancer; the people at the raft race; they’re here because they’ve been touched by someone who has cancer,” he said. “If I’m counted among them, I’m very grateful.”

The Cancer Fighters Dinner is organized by the Cancer Telethon Organization, an all-volunteer group in Schuylkill and Carbon counties whose work exclusively benefits the ACS. Each year, the Cancer Telethon Organization recognizes distinguished volunteers, fundraisers or survivors whose public efforts have strengthened the ACS or inspired others to join in the fight against cancer.

Other award recipients are the Hope on the Hill Relay Team from Hope of Christ Presbyterian Church, receiving the Robert E. Ames Cancer Fighter Award; Danelle Kane and Jolene Barron, Tamaqua Elementary teachers, James J. Rhoades Award for Outstanding School Participation; Clementine Yamona, Patricia A. Haughton Award for Exceptional Service; Ivan & Damian Munoz, Generation Next Leadership Award; The Wheel Restaurant, the Business Spotlight Award.

Telethon Chairman Joe Krushinsky, said this recognition is more important than a pat on the back for the recipients.

“Together, their compassion, creativity and commitment are an inspiring example to others. This is our chance to salute and thank them, and a chance for others to be move by their stories into their own volunteer action,” Krushinsky said.

McAward opened the Lehighton Outdoor Center - Home of Jim Thorpe River Adventures and Northeast PA Kayak School at 123 Lehigh Drive just off Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard in April 2018.

The over 11,000-square-foot outdoor center for rafting and biking is complete with a kayaking school.

Previously, McAward had owned Jim Thorpe River Sports Inc., doing business as Jim Thorpe River Adventures, as well as the Northeast PA Kayak School Inc., before relocating his business from Jim Thorpe to Lehighton. The kayak school was started up in 1999.

The American Cancer Society Telethon of Eastern PA will be held live from Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe from noon to midnight Aug. 14 and 15. It will be broadcast on local cable television stations.