Zoostock, one of the major fundraisers for the Carbon-Tamaqua Chapter of the American Cancer Society, had its 25th anniversary event on Monday and hundreds of people joined the milestone bash.

The event, which featured bands throughout the day, was held on the grounds of the former Sports Zoo in Lansford.

Lisa Hiles, a founder who remains active in putting the event together, said this year the emphasis was on making it a nostalgic theme.

“We’re going back to the old Zoostock that we had from the beginning,” she said. “This is the 25th anniversary. Popular items back when we started, which we have today, are a beer truck, Jell-O shots, lots of food selections including potato pancakes.”

Adding to the exhilarating ambience was perfect weather. Hiles credited the continued success with the large number of volunteers.

Bands which performed all volunteered their services. They are Hatter, Mr. Moon, Coal Reefers, J.A.W., Rhythm Method and StillCraft.

The lead singer for Coal Reefers is Dave Freeman, formerly of Palmerton, who now lives in Southern Florida. The Coal Reefers played most selections of the late Jimmy Buffett, including such hits as “Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Margaritaville.” Coal Reefers was the touring and recording band with Buffett.

They also sang some of Freeman’s original compositions.

In Florida, Freeman is a member of the band Trop Rock Jukes, which had once opened for Buffett.

When a highway in Florida was named for Buffett, Freeman’s band played at the event.

Freeman flew from Florida on Sunday to be at Zoostock. He told the crowd he will continue appearing at Zoostock until a cure for cancer is found, “even if it’s another 25 years.”

There were activities for children, too, including face painting, a blow-up slide, flying swings and roulette wheels.