The allure of Lansford’s Zoostock remains as vigorous as ever, as evidenced by the large turnout at the annual Labor Day event on Monday.

The 26th annual music festival, which benefits the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, was held at the grove of the former Sports Zoo off West Ridge Street with one of the largest turnouts of patrons in years.

Seven musical acts performed throughout the day at Zoostock which included food and drinks, children’s games, raffles and good ole small town camaraderie.

Lisa Hiles, a founder of Zoostock, said one reason for the large attendance was the great weather.

“I’m very pleased with the turnout,” she said. The weather really cooperated.”

Skies were clear and temperatures remained in the 70s during most of the duration.

Hiles joined other volunteers in a stand selling souvenir tie-dyed shirts. The shirts have become standard fare at the Zoostocks.

High school students joined the Cancer Society volunteers in serving food and helping in other ways at the event.

Sheri-Lynn Romanick, a volunteer who coordinated some of the activities, said her main job was “the 50-50 raffle and to make sure things are moving smoothly with the ice cream stand and kids activities.”

“People have been extremely generous this year with giving to the 50-50,” she said.

Romanick added, “We have a great crowd and great weather.”

Bands which performed were The Zoostock Acoustic Jam featuring Kyle and Ryan Dunkelberger and Tom Acker, Hatter, Mister Moon, Ricky and the Ricardo’s, The Zenith, Throwbacks, The Saloonatics and The Local Boys.

Food included such staples as hamburgers and French fries as well as such local favorites as blinis and funnel cake.

“I’m having a great time here,” said Willow Crawford of Lake Harmony. “I came with a friend and it’s my first Zoostock. I’m having a great time and hope this tradition continues.”

Zoostock was started as a project of the late Jesse Hiles when he was the owner of The Sports Zoo. The Sports Zoo closed in 2019, but the owners of the property continued allowing the event on its spacious tree-lined grounds.

Hiles passed away on Jan. 31, 2023.

During its tenure, Zoostock has accumulatively raised several hundred thousand dollars for the American Cancer Society. The amount raised this year won’t be announced until the cancer telethon next April.