For the first time in 20 years, the annual Raft Against Cancer raft race is back, courtesy of Lehighton Outdoor Center.
After a 20-year run in Lansford, the annual Labor Day FREE CONCERT presented on behalf of the American Cancer Society moves to the backyard of the Lehighton Outdoor Center (LOC). 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.
“Most had given up years ago on the idea that we could revive the Raft Race, which at one time was a fundraiser bigger than Relay for Life, bigger than Telethon,” Krushinsky said. “But along comes Jerry, and new volunteers from Lehighton – it’s amazing.”
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, remain 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.
“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. “We look forward to seeing everyone on Labor Day!”
Krushinsky says the combination of long-time and new supporters is testimony to the area’s concern about cancer.
“What are the chances that in one small county, an organization can find two exceptional partners such as these?”
“We are really thrilled to carry the torch to the next 20 years,” McAward said.
The Raft Race will take place from 8am to noon on Labor Day Monday. Raft participants are asked to register in advance at www.RaftAgainstCancer.org. Rafts can have 4-6 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 six-acre backyard of the Lehighton Outdoor Center at 11am. Admission and Parking are free. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs. Personal food and beverages are prohibited. Concert updates are available at www.LOCstock.org. The finish line festival will feature Yuengling products, and event souvenir cups as well official LOCstock event tee-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 non-profits,” says Mary Ann Dulaney, Treasurer of the local organizing committee.
“We will offer rides and games for children this year, including a track-less train, Royal Swing, Bounce House, Petting Zoo and more,” Dulaney says.
“We opened space area Lions’ and Church groups, so they too can generate some support for themselves, and add to the great tastes and our festive atmosphere.”
Event Schedule
• Raft Race – 8 a.m. to Noon.
• Finish Line Festival –
11am to 8 pm
Features local food stands and vendors; beer, wine and spirit tastings, rides for kids including a “bounce house” train ride, petting zoo & games.
• The Concert – 11am to 8 pm features nine great bands
11am – Sterling Koch and the Freeway Jam
12pm – Damian Walck
1pm – Lyle Mantz
2pm – Fallen Pride
3pm – Ricky and the Ricardo’s
4pm – Guilty by Choice
5pm – The Local Boys
6pm – Senile Delinquents
7pm – Flowers for Tacos
The American Cancer Society LOCstock Labor Day event welcomes a new Platinum Sponsor for 2019, St. Luke’s Gnaden Huetten Campus, Lehighton. Hiles Brothers Companies remain the Founding Platinum Sponsor. Silberline Manufacturing, long time supporter of the American Cancer society is also a Platinum Sponsor this year.
2019 Promotional Sponsor, Yuengling.
For information about volunteering, sponsorship, and event details, call the Volunteer Office at (570) 805-4555. Or call Joe Krushinsky at (570) 668-4107 or email JKrushinsky@gmail.com or visit www.locstock.org
The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. All so you can live longer — and better.
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