Zoostock shows up for the community time and time again by providing an all-day music-filled event for those in the area that need some R & R with their rock ’n’ roll.

Kevin Zuercher, Halftime Bar and Grill at the Zoo owner, brought the event back to the area last year, despite challenges amid COVID-19 restrictions.

“I just wanted to bring money back into the town,” he said. “Luckily, the whole council, including the mayor, and the community gave their full support to everything so far.”

Zoostock 2021 was able to include an entire area for children, including a bounce house and festival games - something that was not able to be provided in the planning of last year’s event. Phil’s French fries, Jerry’s Ice Cream and Hometown American Legion were some of the event’s vendors this Labor Day.

This year, Zuercher says, the event was able to be organized well, making it all the more enjoyable for those who attended.

Max Bolton, guitarist/keyboardist for Livin’ The Dream, said he attended Zoostock in 2020 and 2021 both as a featured artist and a supporter of the event itself.

“Today was awesome - beautiful weather, a great audience, great music … funnily enough, today was also our one-year anniversary since our first show as a band,” Bolton said.

Tyler John of Hometown, who is in a band himself called Bad Maggie, said he had the time of his life seeing musician friends that he hasn’t gotten to see in a while due to COVID-19. John mentioned reconnecting with Bolton, who he said is one of the best guitarists in the area.

Bolton also said it was great to support other musicians in the area while he himself wasn’t playing on stage.

Aside from the musician scene, families from the community had a wonderful time getting to enjoy the music and food. Margaret Klotz Monge of Lehighton said it was a drama-free, wonderful event that supported a good cause.

“(The musicians) donated their time and talent toward the fundraiser,” Monge said. “I always look forward to this event.”

The event supported the American Cancer Society, a cause lose to Zuercher. His mother was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in the wintertime. In an online post on Aug. 30, he invited everyone to come out and make the event special for his mother.

He was happy with the turnout and said a lot of family showed up on Monday’s event.

Zuercher said he already has ideas for next year and Bolton said he can’t wait to see what’s planned.