It looks like there’s some pit-cleaning going on around town these days. I don’t know about you, but whenever I think about oxen and pits in the same sentence, this bible verse comes to mind:
“If anyone uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, the one who opened the pit must pay the owner for the loss and take the dead animal in exchange.” (Exodus 21:33,34)
I suppose if the owner is the one who opened the pit in the first place and the ox was also the owner’s, raised for the sole purpose of going to the skewer anyway, then no renumeration needs to be made! So get ready to indulge – 3500 pounds of indulging to be accurate!
Those pits are being heated and the beef is being readied for the ‘fiery furnace’ to cook nice and slow until it’s tender, juicy, and makes people drool at the sights and smells wafting about….
If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to mark your calendar for the famous much anticipated St. Joseph Ox Roast Fair! And this year is a biggie, too, as it marks 50 years of community celebrations.
The Ox Roast Fair started as a fundraiser to help support Catholic education way back in the 1960s.
Now, each year hundreds of St. Joseph Church goers and community residents come together to create what has become a much loved annual event that provides “a quality festival where all of our community can come together to celebrate our common bond.”
Several amazing raffles are held throughout the weekend with prizes that include anywhere from a 50/50 split to a RCA 42″ LED Full HDTV Flat-screen TV and X-Box Gaming System to an incredible $6,400 cash prize honoring the 1964-2013 time span! OHHHH- wouldn’t that come in handy!
Kids (and adults – be honest) will enjoy rides on the midway and there’s a super cool kiddie tractor pull along with games, a hopin’ fun(ny) frog jumping contest, and of course fireworks for the whole family to enjoy.
Saturday morning begins in the ‘starting block’ with the second year’s “Run of the Ox” 5K Run/Walk and 1 mile Fun Walk. Last year was a great beginning and this year there’s sure to be lots more competition.
Live music will be playing throughout the weekend as well. There’s no way you can’t have fun here!
Come celebrate the good people, and great community here in Portage County at St. Joseph’s located in Mantua Twp. off Pioneer Trail. Map, schedules, brochures, activities and everything else you need to know are found on their website.
St. Joseph’s 50th OX ROAST FAIR
July 19, 20 & 21, 2013
Meal times:
Friday
6:00 – 11:30 p.m.
[Dinners Served 6-9 p.m.]
Saturday
1:00-11:30 p.m.
[Dinners Served 3-9 p.m.]
Sunday
Noon-10:00 p.m.
[Dinners Served 12-6 p.m]
Admission is FREE!
Parking is $3.00
Handicap Parking Available