Zick Productions Takes Lead in Hop Bottom Road Adoption

Hop Bottom, PA – May 12, 2025 – Zick Pro LLC, a Hop Bottom-based event production company known for organizing the Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival, has committed to adopting three stretches of road in the Borough of Hop Bottom through Pennsylvania’s Adopt-A-Highway program. This move marks a significant shift in local and state attitudes, as the organization was previously denied participation in the same program nearly a decade ago due to its association with cannabis—an issue that garnered both local and national attention at the time. 

In 2017, Zick Productions, led by founders Jeff and Amanda Zick, applied to adopt a stretch of Route 106 in Susquehanna County. Despite completing a cleanup and receiving initial supplies from PennDOT, their application was rejected because of the word "cannabis" in their organization’s name, citing the illegality of recreational marijuana at the time. The denial made headlines on local news outlets like WNEP and even drew national coverage, sparking debates about cannabis stigma and community contributions. Jeff Zick, reflecting on the past, stated at the time, “I’m trying to pick up trash, not make a statement. We just want to keep our community clean.”

Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has changed dramatically. Pennsylvania has expanded its medical marijuana program, with over 600,000 card-carrying patients as of recent estimates, and discussions around recreational legalization have gained momentum, supported by Governor Josh Shapiro, the former two time Governor Tom Wolf and 70% of Pennsylvanians according to polls. Hop Bottom, a small borough of 310 residents, has also evolved,  the Zick campaign prioritizing community initiatives like Main Street revitalization, volunteer firefighter recruitment, and sustainable projects such as a community garden and rental registration program. 

Zick Productions’ commitment to adopt three stretches of road along local streets near U.S. Route 11 and PA Route 167 demonstrates their continued dedication to community service. The adopted stretches will be cleaned regularly by Zick Productions’ volunteers, with signage acknowledging their efforts, a privilege denied to them in 2017. “Times have changed, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that change,” said Amanda Zick. “We’ve always been about building community, whether through our festivals or now through initiatives like this. It’s a testament to how far Hop Bottom and Pennsylvania have come in embracing diverse contributions.”

The initiative aligns with Hop Bottom’s broader goals of fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship. The Zick campaign will propose a Special Event Ordinance to fund a Fire Retention & Recruitment Fund and explore sustainable projects like a community garden to honor its agricultural heritage, tied to the hop vines that gave the town its name. Zick Productions’ road adoption complements these efforts, reducing litter near Hop Bottom Creek—a waterway at risk of pollution, especially given concerns about flooding from Alford Dam.

Zick Productions has shown what visionary leadership looks like. Their commitment to keeping our roads clean reflects the spirit of Hop Bottom—a community that comes together to support one another. Local residents and officials have welcomed the initiative. The fire company also benefits indirectly, as cleaner roads enhance safety for emergency response routes.

Zick Productions’ journey from rejection to recognition underscores a broader shift in societal attitudes toward cannabis. Their Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival, which began in Scranton in 2015 and has grown to attract 20,000 patrons annually, has played a key role in normalizing cannabis culture while advocating for legalization. “We’ve always believed in the power of community and the need to break down stigma,” Jeff Zick said. “This adoption is a small but meaningful step in showing that we’re here to contribute, not to divide.”

As Hop Bottom looks to secure its future beyond the transient economic boosts of industries like fracking, Zick Productions’ leadership offers a model for sustainable community involvement. Their road adoption initiative not only beautifies the Borough but also sets a precedent for how organizations once sidelined can become integral to a town’s growth and identity.