For the first time in 20 years, the annual Raft Against Cancer race is back, courtesy of Lehighton Outdoor Center. The raft race will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Labor Day Monday.

After a 20-year run in Lansford, the annual Labor Day free concert presented on behalf of the American Cancer Society is moving to the backyard of the Lehighton Outdoor Center. Organizers of the event say nine bands in nine hours, plus an array of new attractions are sure to offer something for everyone.

“We are so lucky to have such a great new partner in Jerry McAward and the Lehighton Outdoor Center,” says Joe Krushinsky, an American Cancer Society volunteer.

While the Labor Day Concert is moving to Lehighton and taking on the new name “LOCstock,” the family business that started the original “ZooStock” tradition 21 years ago remains committed and involved.

“We are excited that the annual live concert has found its new home and continues to grow,” says Lisa Hiles of Hiles Brothers Companies of Summit Hill, the founding platinum sponsor of the event.

“We are especially thrilled that the raft race is returning. All of us at Hiles Bros. are grateful to be part of a community that supports the American Cancer Society throughout the year,” says Lisa Hiles.

Krushinsky says the combination of longtime friends and new supporters is testimony to the area’s concern about cancer.

“We are really thrilled to carry the torch to the next 20 years,” McAward said.

The American Cancer Society LOCstock Labor Day event welcomes a new platinum sponsor for 2019, St. Luke’s Gnaden Huetten Campus, Lehighton. Silberline Manufacturing, longtime supporter of the American Cancer Society is a platinum sponsor this year, as well. Additional support comes from the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The 2019 promotional sponsor is Yuengling.

Raft participants are asked to register in advance at www.RaftAgainstCancer.org. Rafts can have four to six rafters, ages 4 and up, with minors being accompanied by an adult. Registration is $50 per person, and participants have the chance to collect additional pledge dollars in advance to support the American Cancer Society. Awards will be given for best raft times, creative team names, and fundraising totals per individual and teams.

The Labor Day concert begins in the 6-acre backyard of the Lehighton Outdoor Center at 11 a.m. Admission and parking are free. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs. Personal food and beverages are prohibited.

The finish line festival will feature Yuengling products, and event souvenir cups as well as official LOCstock event T-shirts will be on sale.

With additional space and the return of the raft race, the concert also doubles as the race’s “Finish Line Festival.” Organizers have worked hard to increase the offerings to make this a full-day fun family event for all ages.

“We are excited to offer a variety of foods, including some of our area’s best and most familiar names from local fairs, as well as a few area nonprofits,” says Mary Ann Dulaney, treasurer of the local organizing committee.

“We will offer rides and games for children this year, including a trackless train, royal swing, bounce house, petting zoo and more,” Dulaney says.

“We opened space for area Lions’ and church groups, so they too can generate some support for themselves, and add to the great tastes and our festive atmosphere.”

The LOCstock event and band schedule (rain or shine) is:

• Raft race: 8 a.m. to noon.

• Finish line festival: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. features local food stands and vendors; beer, wine and spirit tastings; rides for kids including a “bounce house” train ride, petting zoo and games.

• The concert: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. features nine great bands

11 a.m: Sterling Koch and the Freeway Jam

Noon: Damian Walck

1 p.m.: Lyle Mantz

2 p.m.: Fallen Pride

3 p.m.: Ricky and the Ricardos

4 p.m.: Guilty by Choice

5 p.m.: The Local Boys

6 p.m.: Senile Delinquents

7 p.m.: Flowers for Tacos

Concert updates are available at www.LOCstock.org.

For information about volunteering, sponsorship, and event details, call the volunteer office at 570-805-4555, Joe Krushinsky at 570-668-4107 or email JKrushinsky@gmail.com.