The 61st Ox Roast Fair will pop up July 18-20 at St. Joseph Parish in Mantua.
The parish festival, which features tractor and truck pulls, music, carnival rides and Ox Roast beef, is on church grounds at 11045 St. Joseph Blvd. in Mantua.
What is an ox roast?
The fair started in 1964 to help pay for the new school, and now supports the educational and sacramental ministries of the parish.
Up to 3,500 pounds of sirloin roasts are prepared in brick-lined pits which are heated several days before the fair with a constantly burning fire. The beef is prepared, wrapped in unbleached muslin and netting, and placed in the fiery coals, covered and cooked for several hours until done. The slow-cooked beef is served in sandwiches, dinners and “sundaes” that include mashed potatoes.
What’s happening when?
The festival opens July 18 with antique tractor pulls, Jim Bob & George karaoke on the small stage and a performance by Disco Inferno. Fireworks will close out the evening. The midway will open for rides at 6 p.m.
On July 19, the day’s activities start with the Run of the Ox and Garden Tractor Pulls. The midway opens for rides at 1 p.m. Other activities that day include Jungle Bob’s Educational Zoo on the small stage; a performance by “The Gray Beard Band”; tractor and semi pulls; a performance by Alex Bevan; kiddie tractor pulls; Jim Bob & George Karaoke on the Small Stage; a performance by Out of Eden; and a midnight Mass for all in attendance.
On July 20, the midway opens at noon. Activities include performances by Three Day Weekend and Walnut Hill Cloggers; a frog jumping contest; a 4-wheel drive pickup pull; Jim Bob & George karaoke; performances by Jack Fiorille and Midnight Riders; and a Blessing of the Bikes in the main church parking lot. The fair will close at 10 p.m.
While attendance is free, parking is $5 per vehicle. On Sunday, parking is $1 off with a non-perishable food donation to the Crestwood Coalition for Community Care. Handicap parking and an ATM will be available.
No pets are permitted on the parish grounds.
Reporter Diane Smith, who once enjoyed a pretty tasty Ox Roast sundae, can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Ox Roast Fair returns to Mantua church July 18-20
Reporting by Diane Smith, Ravenna Record-Courier / Record-Courier
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
