Music, games, fun and food make a return for the 25th Annual Zoostock on Labor Day, Sept. 2.

Held at the grounds of the former Sports Zoo in Lansford, the event raises funds for the American Cancer Society — just as it has done for the past quarter century.

“When my brother-in-law Jesse (Hiles) had the first party in his yard and called it Zoostock, none of us could have imagined that we would still be successfully holding this fundraiser for the American Cancer Society 25 years later,” Lisa Hiles, an organizer and founder, said. “I think Jesse, who passed away in 2023, would be very pleased that we have continued his legacy.”

Jesse Hiles, who owned the Sports Zoo, will be remembered during the event.

Volunteer Joe Krushinsky said it’s “kind of retro” to bring back what people have enjoyed most about Zoostock over the years.

The event sees local musician Albie Coccio on stage with JAW (Josh, Albie and Walt). It marks the first time that Coccio, who has played in a number of popular bands, has hit the Zoostock stage in years.

Also returning for the second year are the Coal Reefers, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band that plays only at Zoostock.

“They wanted to do something different last year after the loss of Jesse Hiles,” volunteer Dave Freeman said. “I said, ‘Why don’t we do a Jimmy Buffett set?’”

Freeman put together a group and christened it the Coal Reefers, a take on the late Buffett’s backing band name — the Coral Reefer Band — and a nod to the Black Diamond Parrot Heads, a local group of Buffett enthusiasts.

The Coal Reefers’ first performance was just days after the passing of Buffett.

“He died on Saturday, on Sunday everybody was finding out that he died of (skin) cancer,” said Freeman, an area native and music director for the Carbon Telethon.

He’ll be traveling to the event from his Tampa area home.

Freeman said Labor Day weekend is being celebrated by many Floridians as “Jimmy Buffett Weekend,” and that Florida’s A1A highway, which spans from Florida’s northeast to Key West, will be renamed the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway.

He’ll be playing at a dedication service for the highway Saturday in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and will perform his original song “A1A-Cation” there.

The Coal Reefers will play the song, too, as well as many Buffett hits.

Also on tap are StillCraft and local favorites Hatter, Ricky and the Ricardos and Mr. Moon.

Food, drinks and adult beverages will be available for purchase.

“The food is going to be better than it has been in years. Halushki, kielbasa, pierogies, bleenies, funnel cake, pizza, and various specialty burgers, dogs, sundaes and floats,” Krushinsky said.

There will be games and face painting for kids, along with a 50-50 and basket raffle. T-shirts will be available.

The event runs from 11:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 390 W. Snyder Ave.

“Zoostock has become a staple in the community and has become a part of so many lives. It is a day that brings everyone together for our worth cause,” Lisa Hiles said, “And it is a fun experience for the whole family.”