A music festival in Lansford?

Kevin Zuercher, owner of the Halftime Bar and Grill at the Zoo in Lansford believes one can happen as soon as next year.

His optimism comes after experiencing the large attendance at the 21st annual Zoostock in Lansford on Monday.

Zoostock is a one-day festival to benefit the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. It is held on the grounds of the Halftime Bar and Grill along West Ridge Street.

After Zoostock skipped a year in Lansford, Zuercher and his wife, Deanna, renewed it this year.

The attendance was “better than expected,” Deanna Zuercher said.

Zoostock had generally been one of the most successful fundraising events each year for the American Cancer Society. The first 19 Zoostocks were held on the grounds of the Sports Zoo in Lansford, which had been owned by the Hiles Brothers. The business closed, and Zoostock was moved to Lehighton and given a new name. Heavy rain hampered last year’s festival.

This year, Zoostock reopened at the Lansford venue as if there had been no interruption.

Kevin Zuercher was so thrilled that already he’s looking to expand it next year; possibly to a music festival located at several sites including the pavilion in Kennedy Park.

“We’ll definitely make it an annual event again,” he said of Zoostock. “My goal is to expand this.”

He said, “I want a music fest. I think we can do it.”

He envisions bands playing at various locations. “The gazebo (in the park) will be done by next year. We could have music there and music here. We want to make it a town effort. I think Lansford needs something.”

Zuercher said he was able to put together this year’s festival because he had the local support.

There was free music throughout the day. Bands that played include Adrenalyn, Sterling Koch & The Freeway Jam, Living the Dream, The Local Boys, Magic Stew, Jesse Wade Gang, Nick Tauer Band and Rude Groove.

Joe Krushinky, chairman of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, said fundraising has been difficult for organizations this year because of COVID-19

“We’re holding our place this year because everything is different,” he said. “But it is so good to have Zoostock back.”

Krushinsky said, “The town welcomed it back. Lansford Alive endorsed it. It’s the beginning of something big.”

In its first 20 years, Zoostock raised an accumulative total of $341,000 for the ACS.

The total from this year’s event will be announced during next year’s American Cancer Society telethon.

Several local organizations took part in Zoostock. The Lansford American Legion Post sold ethnic foods such as kielbasa and haluski.

Leiby’s Ice Cream was sold from an ice cream truck. Phil’s French Fries, a familiar sight at local carnivals and fairs, had a stand selling French fries and funnel cake.

Jared Soto of Lansford said he’s thrilled to see Zoostock back in Lansford.

“I’m absolutely glad that it’s back,” he said. “That is something PV’s (Panther Valley) been used to for a long, long time.”