Information compiled with the assistance of:
Initial Organizer, John Wirtz (Associate Pastor, 1962-1964), Parish & School files,
Ox Roast Fair scrapbooks & newspaper articles, and St. Joseph parishioners.

Share your stories, photos & memorabilia!

Ox Roast Fair Began to Support Catholic Education
St. Joseph's first "school" was in the basement of the old church (building at 4571 Prospect St. bought by the Crestwood School District Board of Education in 1968 & is currently used to house Special Services).The facilities across the street loaned by the Hilltop Christian Church were also used until the new school off Pioneer Trail was completed.

St. Joseph's formally dedicated its new church and school on July 28, 1963.
The Ox Roast Fair now directly supports the educational
and sacramental ministries of St. Joseph's Church.
From the beginning, this event utilizes the energy and talents of
literally hundreds of parishioners and friends from the Mantua area.

1960's • 1970's • 1980's • 1990's • 2000's

St. Joseph's First Ox Roast Fair, July 31-August 2, 1964
The first Ox Roast Fair was started and organized by Fr. John Wirtz (Associate Pastor under Fr. Hughes) to help pay for the new school. The first Mantua Ox Roast Fair saw tents being borrowed from St. Mary's in Newton Falls. Booths were arranged in a semi-circle in "wagon wheel fashion" to form a circle that allowed dances to be held in middle (ticket needed to enter dance area) and flat bed semi trailer, expertly maneuvered into position near school building, was used for a stage. There was a ping pong ball drop for kids held with one main prize and hundreds of ball point pens given out. Of course, the first event included the Ox Roast Dinner in the hall and lawn mowers, tractors, etc. also on display outside on grounds. A Trade Show was held inside two classrooms. The Trade Show Committee consisted of Ross Mudler, Chairman, and J.T. Mudler, R. Davis, and Dr. A.B. Muni, Associate Chairmen. Area mayors were on the Honorary Trade Show Committee including Robert Thomas (Mantua), Edward Erickson (Akron), Stanley A. Cmich (Canton), Dale Dreisbach (Hiram), Frank S. Lange (Kent), Tom H. Ritenour (Ravenna), and Bill Barker (Windham). Free promotions provided courtesy of Akron radio station WHLO (who's DJ Bob Ancell and other DJ's also helped with music for roller skating in the Hall) in exchange for deal in Cleveland beauty contest, with half dozen Mantua girls involved, held at racetrack (Miss Ohio was there). Marketing person from Terminal Tower Office offered advertising in 100+ small newspapers throughout northern Ohio free of charge. An Antique Car Show, a skydiving team from Middlefield jumped trying to hit large target on grounds north of the church, Tractor Pull, Carnival Rides, and Pony & Cart Raffle were all part of the fun enjoyed by an estimated 22,000 people. Even though there was rain and threatening weather on the final day and there were worries about breaking even, it was deemed a success.

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Of course, Ox Roast dinners and a fish fry were available. An unusual attraction to this year's fair was the wild game foods - bear steak, elk, roast venison and buffalo steak.
Fr. Martin Matulik, Assistant Pastor, served as chairman. Mrs. Dorothy Borling was in charge of the trimmings for the dinner, and Charles Pechman, chief cook. Mrs. Irene Schultz was again in charge of the booths selling hams, food baskets, stuffed animal and homemakers' items. Mrs. Helen McLaughlin had charge of the hamburger and hot dog stands. James Fitzsimmons and Mrs. William Hafemeister helped with the beauty contest. Theresa Benko was in charge of the midway rides and Don DeWitt, the games.

The Trade Show Committee consisted of Ross Mudler, Chairman, and J.T. Mudler, R. Davis, and Dr. A.B. Muni, Associate Chairmen. Area mayors were on the Honorary Trade Show Committee including Robert Thomas (Mantua), Edward Erickson (Akron), Stanley A. Cmich (Canton), Dale Dreisbach (Hiram), Frank S. Lange (Kent), Tom H. Ritenour (Ravenna), and Bill Barker (Windham). In addition, other local dignitaries and businessmen were invited to join the committee including George B. Hettinger (Aurora Mayor), Charles Ayers (Garrettsville Mayor), Portage County Judge Robert Cook, A. R. Sicuro (Record Courier Editor), Earl V. Mizer (First National Bank & Trust Co.), Joseph Guillozet. John Petrokenis was responsible for the trade show and displays during the fair.

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3rd Ox Roast Fair ~ July 29-30, 1966

Rev. Martin Matulik once again served as chairman of the event. Rev. John Vasko was pastor for just this one Ox Roast serving the parish June, 16, 1966 - Feb. 17, 1967. A letter to parishioners encouraged to sell at least two books of raffle tickets (12 for $5.00 or $.50 per ticket) to help reduce the parish debt (evidently support of the new school). It stated the prizes were varied appealing to just about everyone (specifics not listed).

{Very little information for this year}

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Winter Festival ~ February 4 & 5, 1967
Sat. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 2:00 p.m.-Midnight
"Mardi Gras Theme"

Games, prizes & refreshments offered to the public (no admission). The profits were used for operating expenses of the school.

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4th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 28-30, 1967
Fri. 5:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 5:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

Fine weather was a fortunate feature of this year's fair with a midway of rides, games, magicians, pony rides and fun for old and young. The raffle (book of 6 tickets for $5.00 or $1.00 per ticket) offered the chance to win a brand new gold Pontiac Firebird, $200 second prize, and $100 third prize. Parishioners were asked to sell at least three books and invited to take advantage of monthly incentive drawings the last Sunday of May and June. Father Snock charged Father Matulik, Associate Pastor, to chair the event along with the assistance of Tom Smith (George Murnyack), Lyle Schreiber and Irene Schulz. Entertainment included a "Battle of the Bands" and fireworks Sunday evening.
Prime Black Angus beef was pit-roasted and served with mashed potatoes and gravy, whole corn, tossed salad, rolls and butter, beverages and dessert, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday evening and 1:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday. According to Mrs. Robert McLaughlin, chair of the dinners, over 1,600 dinners served! A fish fry dinner was available Friday evening. Buffalo and black bear sandwiches were also enjoyed.

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5th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 26-28, 1968
Fri. 5:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 5:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

Record crowds enjoyed pit roasted ox, wild black bear roast, buffalo steak roast and sandwiches. Dinners included the traditional fixings for $2.25 for adults and $1 for children under 12. Plus a family plan was available offering dinner for 2 adults and 4 children under 18 years of age for $8. The fish fry was served Friday night, $1.50 for adults & 75 cents for children. The Cleveland Press listed the Ox Roast Fair in it's "Weekly Auto Tour" column.
Entertainment included the Mohawk Drum and Baton Corps, bands "Concrete Taffy" & "The Apple Krops"for dancing under the Big Tent, The Los Caballerors (4-H girl's horse drill team from Hudson), helicopter rides, clowns, midway rides, games, a marionette show on the half hour, a ping pong drop from the helicopter with balls marked for prizes, and a fireworks display. Tractor pulls were held Friday (6,00# & 7,400# classes), Saturday (5,800# & 12,000# classes), and Sunday (up to #9,000 straight). A trade show was held once again with 20' x 20' booth space available for $20.

The first parade was held as the official opening on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the train station and included a flag bearer, convertible carrying Mayor Robert Thomas & Fr. Snock, the Crestwood High School pep band, horses, antique cars, and a "surrey with the fringe on top". Queen was selected by lot following Mass the Sunday prior to the fair. Linda Cofojohn reigned as queen for the day, July 26, and her court included Karen Plute, Nancy Wenberg, Mary Jane Macaluso and Karen Gallagher.
Workers were organized by various area chairpersons or booth captains which included Tom Smith (General Chairman), Mrs. C. Hafemeister (Dining Room), Father Francis Snock (Games of Chance), Joan Pahoresky (Food Tent), Helen McLaughlin & Hazel Jahn (Kitchen), Charles Pechman (Ox Roast Pits), Irene Schulz (Series Booths), Lyle Schreiber (Action Booths). In addition to their time and talent, parishioners were asked to donate the use of their trucks, handmade items for the Homemaker's Booth, high chairs and youth chairs for the dining room, and food donations such as produce and staple items for the kitchen/dinner needs.
Raffle Winners: 1st prize-Michael Shantic (1968 red Camaro and $50 as seller), 2nd prize-Mary Fejedelem (live pony & cart), and 3rd prize-Robert Rima ($100). Bulletin listed names and dollar amounts of those returning tickets prior to the fair. Tickets were printed courtesy of Charles Chevrolet.

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6th Ox Roast Fair~ July 25-27, 1969
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

Volunteers were organized by Chairmen Tom Smith & Frank Malloy. Young ladies of the parish addressed envelopes & mailed out over 1,000 advertising circulars to some of the many out-of-towners who attend the previous year. The 6th annual fair featured the Friday opening parade from Mantua's village park to the fair grounds, a midway of rides, 35 booths, helicopter rides, an old fashioned tractor pull, games, ping pong drop each day, a trade show, awarding of banana bicycles once every two hours (children 15 and under registered for drawings), fireworks and a chuck wagon with ox sandwiches. The Ladies Guild had a gift booth and also sold chances to win a beautiful, handmade afghan and a lovely centerpiece. The fish fry and ox roast dinners were offered again with family rates. Drawing was held each evening in pit area for a slow-roasted ox roast (10# average). Mrs. William Hafemeister headed the dining room committee, Mrs. Robert (Helen) McLaughlin was in charge of the food and kitchen department, and Charles Pechman's recipe of "How to Cook an Ox in 8 Hours Flat" was publicized.
The main raffle gave chances to win a 1969 red Mustang (won by Mrs. Florence Hernley of Kent), a portable color TV (won by David Lee Shearer of Windham), and $100 (won by Clarence Havener of Mantua). $50 was once again awarded to the seller of the winning ticket.
Year end report showed the fair netted $13,016 and a newspaper article reported "the weather, though not perfect, was as good as could be expected this summer, and attendance was fine." An appreciation get-together was held for senior workers on September 11 of that year. A buffet style dinner was served followed by fun and songs for after-dinner entertainment (appreciation party for juniors held later).

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7th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 31-August 2, 1970
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

Billed as a delightful, entertaining family and community get-together, the 1970 Ox Roast Fair was reported as bigger and better with each year with fair weather predominated & record attendance. A parade started festivities Friday with Phyllis Freund as queen and her court, Rosemary Buonpane, Karen Schultz, Mary Jo Ryder, and Charlene Chalker, heading the festivities.
Thousands of dinners were served with Mrs. Robert McLaughlin directing kitchen activities. A fish fry was enjoyed Friday evening. Charles Pechman supervised the cooking of 1,500# of ox roast once again with the addition of a chuck wagon serving sandwiches sliced right from beef roast. General chairmen, Frank Malloy and John Egan reported everyone worked to make it a success. Profit reports showed the fundraiser making $18,384.
Helicopter rides enticed fairgoers to see the colorful and lush, green rolling hills of the area. Excitement really was king when the ping pong drop held each day earning prizes for those lucky enough to find one of the marked balls. Children 15 and younger registered to win 12 banana bikes raffled off throughout the fair. The big drawings for the main raffle saw prizes of 1970 blue Oldsmobile F85 awarded to Mary Bongiorno (her mother Clara Koerlin won $50 as ticket seller), a portable color TV being won by Rose Pantileman, and the transoceanic portable radio given out to Fr. John Wolf of Chagrin Falls. W. Kwasny won the donated riding lawnmower. The Infant of Prague Guild raffled off a handmade "poppy" quilt, crewel embroidered flower garden picture, hand-crocheted cable-stitched afghan, and a star throw rug.
A midway of rides, games for young and old, an old fashioned tractor pull, live outdoor entertainment, and fireworks were once again part of the festivities. WKNT Radio (1520AM/100.1FM) personalities Mark Heil & Bob Carpenter broadcast from the fair on Saturday. Delicious offerings included a cake booth, frozen bananas, apple fritters and corn on the cob. The bulletin report following the 1970 Ox Roast Fair summed it up well . . .

"It was with 'popping-button' pride that we received compliments about our parish buildings and grounds, our church school, auditorium, about the wonderful waitresses and bus boys, about the smiles and happy attitudes of all our booth workers, about everything that reflected a joyful spirit here at Mantua. We have much to be justly proud of and it's really due to your work and effort. All the visitors from other parishes stood in envy at all they saw and heard."

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8th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 23-25, 1971
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

It was the biggest Ox Roast Fair ever held since the affair began eight years ago, and as far as Reginald Fleshman was concerned, it was also the best. Fleshman drove off Sunday with the first prize of the fair drawing - a 1971 red Dodge Demon. Carting off second prize, a color television set, were Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kenney, while Percy Livingston won the $100 third prize. Pastor Rev. Francis Snock said, "There was hardly a parking space left." Estimates put the crown at well over 5,000 for the three days.
In reference to a conflict with the annual Streetsboro fair held the same weekend many years, a reporter was very outspoken about the date change allowing folks to attend both events.
As in years past, the parade, a midway of rides with new attractions, tractor pulls, bicycle giveaways, live outdoor entertainment, helicopter rides, ping pong ball drops, and fireworks were enjoyed by many. Under a chairman (Frank Malloy) and co-chairman (John Egan), over 200 volunteers were led by various area chairpersons who then had captains in charge of each area. "Action Booths" included a variety of games such as cork gun, ball in can, break the balloon, tic-tac-toe, knock over bottles, football through tire, fish pond, set up Coke bottle, ring a coin, toss till you win, hoop la, and claw machines. "Enterprise Booths" featured plush animals, pen booth, household & sports, ham & bacon, cake booth, block game, blanket booth, balloons & novelty, and an ice cream wagon with clowns. Concession and Foods Booths offered dinners, tractor refreshment stand, snack shop, beer stand, chuck wagon, corn on the cob, apple fritters, waffle wagon, pizza, Infant of Prague Boutique Booth, amusement rides & Hustler, shooting waters, helicopter rides, and Raggedy Ann drawing. Chance Games enticed with the dice wheel, percentage wheel, poker, dice game, Las Vegas, car raffle, and the trade show. After greeting record crowds, one worker sighed, "We were mobbed, but we had a good time."

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9th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 21-23, 1972
"Hawaiian Theme"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

The year's Hawaiian Theme was seen throughout the fair including the advertising . . .

"Surf's up! Hang ten and ride the big waves to St. Joseph's ninth Annual Ox Roast Fair in Mantua . . . Ancient legend has it, St. Joe's is situated on an extinct, definitely misplaced volcano which originated in the Hawaiian Islands. So this year the local natives will do the Fair up Hawaiian style."

The raffle included trip for two to Hawaii (or $2,000 cash which Win Clouse opted for), a portable color TV (awarded to Betsy Roosa), a stereo hi-fi compact component system (won by Leo Escavage), and two $100 cash prizes (Jim Cofojohn & Mike Magyar), and a $50 cash prize (Anthony Billick). In keeping with the theme, the fish fry dinners and more than 2,200 pounds of beef were supplemented with a large stuffed pig about 75 lbs. roasted on an open spit on the fair grounds offering roast pork, "pig-on-a-stick". Although Chuck Pechman has been claiming he'll not do the cooking for one more year for the past nine years, he was once again head cook.

"To appease the 'Island' gods (and the eager kiddies) a drawing was held to give away one banana bike every other hour of the 3-day fair. Helicopter rides were offered for tourists desiring a breathtaking view of our island paradise from the heavens. More freebies, . . . periodically, in keeping with Island customs, whirly birds (helicopters) will drop ping-pong balls - the marked balls will be redeemed for cash prizes."

The same events and attractions as the past several years were held again for the 9th Annual fair with a few new twists as attested to in this promo write-up . . .

"Fresh from the pineapple fields, many proud tractor drivers will engage in the popular Annual Tractor Pull . . ." "The many regular Fair attractions will return this year -- The Midway of popular rides; exotic foods to tickle your fancy, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, the works, the Ox Roast Pit area; the handiwork of the talented local natives -- and many more attractions."
"After the sun sinks slowly in the West, Sunday evening's fireworks (beginning at 10 p.m.) will cap the Fairs' festivities." "Y'all come now! ALOHA!"

Pastor Francis Snock said the parking lot for 1,500 cars was constantly overflowing and "thousands" was the only way he cared to pin down the number of people who attended. It was reported that more than 200 members of the church donated time for 3 weeks prior to the 3-day event. Total receipts were $43,663 with a profit of $27,678 for the parish.

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10th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 20-22, 1973
" Old New Orleans Theme"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

The rain came down with a splash Friday night but it wasn't enough to wash out the enthusiasm of Mantua residents who gathered for the 10th Ox Roast Fair. The year's ox Roast featured an "old" New Orleans theme and came complete with a Basin St., Pirate's Cove (ox sandwich booth), Creole cooking, hush puppies, a Mardi Gras, and plenty of good home cooking. Fish dinners and all the other favorites were available.
The Mardi Gras parade wound its way through town as in year's past with masked Ox Roast royalty King John Caldwell and Queen Debbie Brugmann, leading the way on a new route from Village Park to Prospect and Main Streets, up Crestwood High School's drive and over to St. Joseph's.
The main raffle offered prizes of a Caribbean cruise for two (or $2,000 cash), a Zenith color portable TV set, a modular stereo component set, $100 cash prize and two $50 cash prizes. The Guild had there traditional raffle for handmade items and a Homelite 7HP lawn & garden tractor was awarded as well.
Fair events included the midway of rides and games, an old fashioned tractor pull, sky diving (Alliance Sport Parachute Club out of Salem), helicopter rides and special attendance drawings of radios. Ping-pong balls were dropped daily to be retrieved for cash prizes and bikes were once again given away. The largest fireworks display in the county delighted the crowds for another success story.
A new feature was Frank Hubbard of Hubbard's Cupboard fame conducting a tent art show exhibiting his and other area artists' works. Artists were also on hand daily sketching various activities and people. Country and Western music and dancing entertained fairgoers in addition to musical groups patterned after the old New Orleans favorites. 1973's Ox Roast Fair netted $21,922 (total receipts were $52,165).
Reporter Charles Clogher's "Week in Review" column of the Record-News attested to the beloved hometime feelings for the Mantua Ox Roast Fair . . .

"Time for the Mantua Ox Roast is drawing near. Like the Randolph Fair and the Johnny-Come-Lately Silver Crik Canoe race, the Mantua Ox Roast is a Portage County tradition which survives because it serves a purpose. It provides an opportunity for old friends to meet and reminisce and consider the future. It is the kind of affair that makes a person glad they do not have to live in a big city. Plan to attend. If you have not been before, you'll like it."

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11th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 19-21, 1974
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

An ideal weekend saw the time-honored favorites of delicious ox roast beef, fish dinners and other typical fares, helicopter rides, 7 bicycle and 3 radio give-aways, tractor pulls, live entertainment, an art show, and fireworks. Raffle winners included S. Trusso (Hawaiian trip for two or $2,000 in cash), C. Smith (portable color TV), A. & M. Hamburgh (stereo), Adam Fathauer ($200), Marie Newburger ($100), Thomas Journic, K. Fromwiller and Charlotte Zorn ($50 each). Joe Gavit and Cathy Schultz were crowned Fair royalty.
Rev. John H. Hoey experienced his first Ox Roast this year (pastor June 14, 1974 - Aug. 8, 1978). The 11th annual had $56,307 in total receipts profiting $19,362.

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12th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 18-20, 1975
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

General chairman Frank "Red" Malloy stated, "It's been a great success every time and we have always and a huge turnout every year." Newly added to the 1975 fair was the Mantua Minstrels presenting their "Mini-Minstrel Show" and members of the Crestwood High School Stage Band (jazz ensemble) providing live musical entertainment. Once again, an opening parade and flag raising, attendance drawings for free bicycles and radios, helicopter rides, fish fry, nightly tractor pulls, skydiving exhibitions, trade show and art show, games and prizes, and of course, the ox dinners and fireworks finale were a part of the event. The year's raffle prizes included $2,000 or Hawaiian trip for two, portable color TV, modular stereo set, $200, $100, and three $50 cash prizes. Despite the bad weather this weekend everybody had a good time despite the rain. Father Hoey expressed his thanks with a "Superb! Tremendous! Fantastic! and a God Bless You and your tired aching feet and muscles." Net profit for the year was $18,427.

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13th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 30-August 1, 1976
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

Del Donahue of Channel 3 TV did cover piece at 6 & 11 p.m. broadcasts (Ginny strainer helped to arrange "mini-cam" visit along with her duties as artist, sign-maker, publicity and advertising chairman). Special attractions included live entertainment every night featuring such groups as 4-H Square Dancers, We The People, Crestwood Stage Band, WKNT live broadcast, Mantua Minstrels and Perpetual Motion. The parade, midway of rides, games, and booths, arts and craft show, free drawings for bicycles and radios, cake booth, Infant of Prague Guild raffles, tractor pulls, skydivers and helicopter rides and the fireworks were all a part of the 13th Annual. Art show advertising offered a 10' x 7' booth space for $25.
The year's raffle prizes included $1,976 + $50 as seller (Millie Jajcinovic), portable color TV (John J. Beluscsak), modular stereo set (Joe McGuire), CB Radio (Greg Stickel), $100 (Daniel Kabat), and $50 each (Bob Glassner, Vern Baker, Jim Mould). Fair profits were reported as $26,395.

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14th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 22-24, 1977
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

Gross figures were in excess of $70,000 with estimates of "the best ever" (final figures showed profits of $26,718). Raffle prizes were $2,000, a portable color TV, a modular stereo set, CB Radio, $100, and three $50 cash prizes. The usual attractions were offered to everyone attending this fun, family event.

Following the Fair, Father Hoey wrote in the bulletin giving a small sample of what it takes to make the Ox Roast Fair work and be a success . . .

"SUCCESS comes because everyone does his or her part -- over here in a corner, you've got Louie Zitner and Julie Buonpane readying everything for the Finance Crews who, out of the lime light, are confined by the hour counting $70,000 and then a lot more (back and forth change); over there in another corner is Irene Schulz with her crew, scraping carrots, chopping lettuce, slicing meat, etc., while just beyond is Jo Frame charging her crew of Waitresses, Hostesses and Bus Boys with their duties (and many fine compliments received on these young people); while back aways Mary Ann Tady and the Dishwashing Crew wait to make everything sparkle again. Walking toward the Midway one notices that even the lavs (busy and important places in an operation like this) are well manned by Custodian Don Lupori and his wife, Sue. Classrooms along the way are buzzing with activity as Lyle and Flo Schreiber line up all those glamorous plush animals and Roberta Norton, our new Cake Chairperson looks over all those delicious cakes (thanks to all you parishioners who baked). Step outside and the ladies of the Infant of Prague Guild eye you from their three booths of homemade "goodies" while Ginny Strainer (and what a super job on publicity and ads and posters) snags you with those little papers with those not-so-winning numbers and Shorty Ritchey will get you with those bigger pink raffle tickets. Thirsty, turn left and Evelyn Murnyack will quench your thirst; hungry for ice cream, turn right and the Heritage's will delight you with delicious flavors. Try to get by the "Vacuum Cleaners" and your quarters, or interested in a little Crafts or Art, Rosemary Pechman provides a variety under the tent.
The famous Ox Roast pits greet you in the corner with the Grand Chef Charlie Pechman, and how about any ice cold beer from one of George Murnyack's men and then if you can still stand up and see straight, Bill Hafemeister will take care of that by dazzling you with a few games of chance in his nice big tent. And so, we could go on and on but we better stop there (you're broke by now anyway) . . . Keep multiplying the above, put on top of all this our Coordinator par-excellence Red Malloy and his Exec Committee. It all had to go up with a Set-up Crew and it all had to come down. Outstanding in both of those departments is Ambrose Briscar who can't be matched as a worker. And did you ever see tons of litter? Well Tom Smith and his scouts, the Youth Group and a band of little ones did -- thank you for a fantastic clean-up job! And thanks to all of you who came and patronized the fair. We know you enjoyed it. Again many thanks to all of you Chairpersons and Workers for a super-duper job. God Bless you and your aching muscles. Enjoy a rest -- you owe it to yourself and deserve it."

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15th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 28-30, 1978
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

The 15th saw the installation of two 20-foot long permanent brick-lined pits allowing 4,000 pounds of roasts to be cooked in 6-8 hours in two or three batches. Previously, a dirt pit was used to cook just 600 pounds which took more than 35 hours. Entertainment included the Crestwood High School Stage Band, the Mantua Minstrels, Cuyahoga Valley Bluegrass Boys, square dancing with the 4-H group Portage Promenaders, and a show by "We The People". Once again, the fundraiser included helicopter rides, skydivers, an arts and crafts show, a midway of games and amusement rides, tractor pulls, fish fries, bicycle and radio raffles, and fireworks closed out the event. Taking a turn in the CYO dunking booth were WKNT disc jockey Brice Wilson. Senator Anthony Celebrezze of Cleveland, the Democrat nominee for Ohio Secretary of State were among the celebrities present at the fair. Raffle offered $1,000 each for first (Chuck & Wilma Alexander), and second (Richard McFee), portable color TV set (Don Duff), modular stereo set (Molly Witt), portable black & white TV (Belle Lincewicz), $100 (Robert Essell), $50 (Joe Pinter), and $50 (James Fields). Gross income was in excess of $82,000 with an estimated profit of $35,000.
[In August of 1978 Fr. Cassidy was appointed Pro-Tem Administrator until Fr. Balasko was assigned in September, 1978]

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16th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 27-29, 1979
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

Once again, the parish was not disappointed in their anticipation of thousands of people who enjoyed the excitement, food and fun of another successful fair. As usually, a flag-raising ceremony officially opened the midway of rides and games. This was Rev. George J. Balasko's first Ox Roast Fair (pastor Sept., 8, 1978 - July 1, 1981). In addition to the delicious ox roast dinners and sandwiches, a fish fry was held on Friday and other items including french fries, pizza, beer, soft drinks and other yummy treats were offered. Special attractions included the always popular helicopter rides, live musical entertainment nightly, trade show and book sale, an arts and crafts show, tractor pulls, skydivers and the Sunday night fireworks. Free drawings for bicycles and radios were held along with the main raffle with two $1,000 prizes, Zenith color TV, Zenith modular stereo set, portable black and white TV, $100 cash prize, and two $50 cash prizes. As in years past, admission and parking were free. Total receipts were $79,489 with a profit of $29,385 for 1979.

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17th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 18-20, 1980
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

Bumper stickers and flyers advertised the 17th Ox Roast weekend of games, rides and contests. Boy Scout Troop 575 opened the midway with their flag raising and several favorites like the skydiving exhibitions, numerous tractor pull contests, and radio & bicycle drawings were held. Ox roast dinners and sandwiches, pizza, french fries, ice cream and other delicious items were offered once again. Fairgoers could visit the book sale, arts and crafts, and trade show. WKNT radio broadcast from the fair each day and entertainment included Harry Gilcrest and the Music Makers, the Crestwood High School Band with "Mr. Music" Tony Buonpane directing. New to the fair was a pony pull, sponsored by the All American Pony Pullers Association, which was held on Friday. Of course, fireworks and main raffle closed the fair. Raffle prizes included two $1,000 cash prizes (Brad Miley and John Beluscsak), a Panasonic microwave oven (Pat Smith), a Motron moped (M. Aschembrener), a Panasonic AC/DC black & white TV (Irene Grudowski), $100 cash (Irene Ritchey), and two $50 cash prizes (Mary Ann Painley and D. Baumbick). Profits were estimated at $24,878.

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18th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 17-19, 1981
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

Gourmets of all levels tantalized their taste buds at the 18th Ox Roast Fair. Famous ox roast dinners, sandwiches, a midway full of games, rides and booths delighted all. Fr. Joseph Fata (pastor July 1, 1981 - Aug. 3, 1988) was appointed to lead the parish and was amazed at his first Ox Roast. Special attractions included live music nightly, arts and crafts, a Buckeye Quilters sponsored a quilt show exhibit featuring some 75 quilts from over the state, skydivers, pony pull, tractor pulls, free drawings for bicycles and radios, and the every-popular fireworks. Raffle prizes once again featured two $1,000 cash prizes (Casey Pierog and Wilma Freund), and a Panasonic video tape recorder (Marge Benjamin), a Panasonic microwave oven (Kathy Kodach), a Bearcat programmable scanner (Susan Brown), an Atari video computer game (Dorothy Caldwell), and a day at Mario's Aurora House (Tony Buonpane). Tickets were $1.00 each or a book of 12 for $10 and sellers were offered $10 if they were on of those chosen in early bird incentive drawings. Shuttle buses were used again this year transporting people to the fairgrounds from Crestwood High School parking lots when St. Joe lots were full.

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19th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 16-18, 1982
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

Portage County residents braved high humidity and temperatures that soared to 90-plus degrees to attend the Fair. A few brief showers cooled things down a little for the fireworks on Sunday. More than 1,900 hungry people lined up to get a taste of the hot Ox Roast dinners. Hundreds more purchased sandwiches, while some wandered the midway, rode the carnival rides, sang along with live music and viewed exhibits. Parking Crowds were down a bit but parking lots were packed and once again shuttle service was available operated by Campus Bus Service and allowing parking at Eaton, Samuel Moore and Crestwood High School. Midway rides doubled from previous years and residents enjoyed live entertainment including "The Entertainers", square dancing, the "Balloonologist", Crestwood High School Stage Band, the rock band Magnum, music by Harry Gilcrest and The Music Makers, and a Community Band under the direction of Tony Buonpane. Drawings for free bicycles and radios were held along with tractor and semi truck tractor pulls and skydiving exhibitions. Raffle winners included Ted Krohn ($1,000), David Snyder ($1,000), Monte Cross (19" color TV), C & R Pechman (Ker-O-Sun heater), Kathy McIntyre (Atari game), John Soltis ($100), B. Murray ($100), Dennis Pawlus ($50).

"If the Ox Roast provides an opportunity for us to work together
and be grateful for the gifts and talents and time that are shared,
then it is a success, profit notwithstanding."

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20th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 15-17, 1983
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00 p.m.-Midnight

The 20th saw the return of skydiving, helicopter rides, free children's drawings, quilt show, fireworks and all of the midway rides, games and food. Dinners were served on Saturday and Sunday with a bingo game held Friday evening. Pulls included pony pulls, 4-wheel drive, farm and garden tractors. Special attractions included a Dancersize Exhibition and a square dance exhibition by award winning 4-H group the Silver Creek Swingers. Raffle prizes included $1,000 (Marguerite Wertenberger), $1,000 (Ruth Bell), 19" color TV (E.C. Burke), Ker-O-Sun heater (Barb King), Atari game (Frank Cinadr), $100 (Paul Hartman), $100 (Mary Ann Clark), $50 (Carol Toth). Entertainment was very prevalent with live music by "The Renegades", "The Pearsons" featuring continuous entertainment with banjos, musical saw and clogging, "Berrie Buttrick" songs and entertainment, "The Lenny Andexler Band", the Crestwood Community Band, the Ravenna Community Choir, the Crestwood high School Band, and "Bonnie & Kurt Horack" providing southern country rock. Free shuttle bus service ran continuously through Mantua to the fairgrounds.

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21st Ox Roast Fair ~ July 20-22, 1984
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Ox Roast dinners, free parking and admission, midway rides and games, fireworks, crafts, children's drawings, a casino tent, lots of live entertainment, a flea market from 9 a.m. until dark on Saturday, a garden tractor pull on Sunday were all a part of the 21st Ox Roast Fair.

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22nd Ox Roast Fair ~ July 19-21, 1985
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Lots of musical entertainment including a Wurlitzer Military Band Organ, "The Renegades", a Dancersize Exhibition, "Silver Creek Swingers" 4-H Square Dance Exhibition, "Berrie Buttrick & Co." with songs and entertainment, country singer Alicia Kelly, the Crestwood Community Band, "Bonnie & Kurt Horack with the Dynamic Redeye", and fireworks. The usually Ox Roast dinners, midway, a flea market on Saturday. New this year was a frog jumping contest, tug of war, and Saturday saw the addition of a 26.7 mile Bicycle Road Race (organized by Dennis and Loretta Chiancone). Dining room prices were $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12.

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23rd Ox Roast Fair ~ July 18-20, 1986
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Booth space rentals included recreational vehicles ($150 for first parking spot & $20 for each additional area), trade booths for commercial, political, display or service organizations ($150 for a 10' x 10' booth), arts and crafts ($40 for a 10' x 7' tent), and flea market tables ($5 each). Of course, Ox Roast Dinners were offered each evening as well as a casino tent, tug-a-war and frog jumping contests, live entertainment including Big Chuck & 'Lil John of Cleveland TV-Channel 8 fame, the 25K bike races Saturday morning and the Sunday evening fireworks to close out the Fair.

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24th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 17-19, 1987
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

To kick off the 24th Ox Roast members of the parish released 500 red balloons with coupons for free dinners and sandwiches. The main raffle offered an 8-day vacation for a family of four to Orlando, Florida (including 3 day passes to Disney World and Epcot Center, a rental car, hotel accommodations and $100 spending money). Other prizes were a VCR camera, Honda Elite and adult bicycles. Attendance raffles were held for eight bicycles. Television entertainers "Big Chuck & 'Lil John" of TV-8 fame were at the fair once again along with entertainment from "Doctor Terminal's Germinal Medicine Show", live music with "Badge", "Country Cross Roads", and the "Button Box Squeezers". A horseshoe pitch competition, tug-of-war contest, critter race, crafts & trade booths, flea market, karate club demonstration and fireworks were also held. As a promotion for the bike race and rodeo, kids were encouraged to enter a coloring contest picked up at area Pizza Huts for a change to win a free pizza party. Campers were invited to camp at the parish during fair weekend.

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25th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 15-17, 1988
"Silver Anniversary"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

The raffle featured a silver 1988 S-10 Chevy pick-up to celebrate the Fair's silver anniversary along with runner-up prizes of $500 and $250. It was Fr. Fata's last Ox Roast Fair as he was reassigned to St. Luke's Church in Boardman (last Mass celebrated on July 24). The year's Fair again featured the 26.7 mile bicycle road race through northern Portage and southern Geauga counties, all-day flea market, live entertainment, rides, door prizes, frog jumping, tug-of-war and children's bike raffles. A Children's Corner featured pony rides, a petting zoo and youngster's games and Shamu and Pete Penguin from Sea World paid a visit. Bands for the weekend included "Streetalk" (classic & country rock), "Johnny Cee and the Midnight Country Band" (Country, 50's, 60's, top 40), "Button Box Squeezers", and "Sammy and the Sound Company" (top 40, Chicago, Motown, 8 piece Dynamite Band) and there was a lip synch contest. Another special event to mark the silver anniversary of the fair was a "Name the Ox" contest with 25 silver dollars being awarded to the winning name, "Ox 5th Avenue". Commemorative Silver Anniversary Ox Roast magnets were also available.

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26th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 21-23, 1989
"Come for the Fun, Go for the Gold"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Fr. Hughes, pastor when the Ox Roast Fair first began, was back serving on an interim basis between the time Fr. John Trimbur left and Fr. Jim Fondriest came as pastor (July 14, 1989 - Mar. 28, 1994). Bible School children kicked off the event with a balloon launch containing coupons. Themed "Come for the Fun, Go for the Gold", reflecting the many contests and prizes, featured something for everyone, including live rock, country and big band music, kiddie tractor pulls, frog jumping contest, tug-o-war, a magician Tom Craven, raffles, the bike race, lip sync contest, games of chance, food, contests and carnival rides. Raffle prizes were all cash awards, $3,000, $1,500 and $500 and included $100 hourly drawings from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. each day. A new feature to the Fair was the "Ox Talk" newsletter cleverly was published by the Ox Roast Fair Marketing Committee (written by Guy Zumpetta) describing all aspects of the event along with trivia and humor.

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27th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 20-22, 1990
"Classic Blockbuster Weekend"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Live music, carnival rides, games, prizes, fireworks and slow-cooked ox roast sandwiches and dinners were once again waiting crowds of young and old at the 27th. "Ox Talk" editions amused parishioners with items all about the Fair. Even with the on-again, off-again rain, the attendance this year was better than expected. Dick Goddard, weatherman of Cleveland's TV Channel 8, hosted and judged the lip sync contests, passed out wooly bear stickers and tornado guides. Cash raffle prizes were once again offered along with a free book for every four books sold and a free parking ticket ($1.00 per car). The Infant of Prague Guild held there raffle for handmade items. Plenty of music and entertainment included a return visit from magician Dr. Terminal (last appearing in 1988). Favorites like the lip sync contest, kiddie tractor pulls, tug-o-war, frog jumping contest, face painting delighted. New "yummies" and picnic tent marked the Fair with platters offered in the new outdoor picnic tent and also offered BBQ chicken and corn on the cob. Pierogis, sausage sandwiches, elephant ears, pizza, slush puppies and cold drinks were found throughout the fairgrounds. In the dining hall serving delicious dinners, you could find the casino area and a new Silent Auction for a unique, bidding experience. Gross profit was reported as $73,850 with $27,048 in net profit.

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28th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 19-21, 1991
"An Old-Fashioned Country Fair"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Billed as the festival that has something for everyone the event featured activities for children once again including the gigantic lighted midway with all new family-oriented rides, kiddie tractor pull, and frog jumping contest. The "full meal deal", featuring an ox roast sandwich, salad, beverage and dessert, was offered. For a lighter treat, a garlic bread and salad plate was introduced. The indoor casino offered games of chance along with the silent auction and, of course, the main raffle with $5,000 in cash prizes. WNIR-FM Radio did a live broadcast with a personal appearance by comical morning show host, Stan Piatt. The lip sync contest was back along with the dunking booth, tug-o-war, bike race, face painting, trade booths and the closing fireworks display. A new attraction was the tethered hot air balloon rides & mascot "The Noid", courtesy of Domino's Pizza. Admission was $1.00 per vehicle. Gross income $86,972 was list in the bulletin following the Fair.

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29th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 17-19, 1992
"Nostalgia"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Remember when . . . you wore pegged pants, and your shirt collar up? Hair slicked back with Brylcream, you jumped into your '57 Chevy to go cruisin' at Manners or the Short-Stop? The place to be seen was the sock hop? Poodle skirts and petticoats, bobbie socks and saddle shoes, rootbeer and cherry phosphates were "in". Remember? Everyone was invited to relive those magical memories with family and friend at the 29th Ox Roast Fair taking folks back to those "good old days". Friday's rain cleared up just in time for opening night and sunny skies continued throughout the festivities to make the 3-day festival a success. Live entertainment with Linda Lou & the Silver City Band, "Elvis Remembered" with Chuck Alan, karaoke, the big midway, a classic car show, WNIR remote broadcast, tractor pulls, casino, silent auction, wonderful food and plenty of family fun. Lip-sync contests, frog jumping, face painting, kiddie tractor pull, fireworks and so much more for this year's Fair. The big raffle had the same $3,000, $1,000 and $500 prizes plus $100 hourly attendance drawings. The Infant of Prague Guild once again featured their raffle of a cedar chest full of handmade items, a handmade afghan, and a griddle/slow cooker.

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30th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 16-18, 1993
"A Gem of a Fair"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Billed as the "friendly fair", this year's event celebrated its diamond anniversary by featuring a small jewel within the design of this year's t-shirt. Of course, the highlight is the delicious food particularly the ox roast dinners and sandwiches. Live entertainment included "Country Lovin'", karoake contest, K105 Kountry Kruiser live remote, "Change of Pace", Cruise Masters", "Shade", and the spectacular fireworks. Admission was still just $1.00 per vehicle, dinners were $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for kids & $5.00 for seniors and the raffle featured $5,000 in cash prizes. The silent auction was back as well as the frog jumping contest, kiddie tractor pull, children's games & contests, indoor casino, and tractor pulls. New to the Fair, a Horseshoe Tournament was held, the Garden Club hosted a craft tent and a raffle for an Amish handcrafted rocker. Trade booths included WDOK's Balloon Brigade who had chances to win a family fun pack for four to ride the fair's rides all day any one day of the fair. The t-shirt for the year was tan with a brown ox logo. The event raised more than $50,000 after expenses.

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31st Ox Roast Fair ~ July 15-17, 1994
"A Family A-Fair"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Promoters let area residents know that without the Ox Roast, most of the things that St. Joseph's give back to the community would not be possible. Many parish programs rely on the process of the fair - athletic events, meetings and special programs including Eagle Scout projects, St. Joseph Cares (10% given to outreach efforts). The fair's organizational committee took on a more "take charge approach" as the parish was between pastors (Rev. Francis Hughes served as Pro-Tem Administrator Apr. 30 - July 1, 1994 and Rev. Richard Murphy served as Administrator July 2 - Aug. 31, 1994 until Rev. Thomas McCarthy came Sept. 1, 1994). Children's games, face painting, kiddie tractor pulls, carnival rides and games, frog jumping contest, horseshoe tournaments, silent auction, trade booths, indoor casino, karaoke contest, tractor pulls and semi pulls (new this year), and the ever-popular fireworks were part of the festivities once again. Souvenir T-shirts in turquoise with a bright yellow ox logo were available. Entertainment and attractions included "No Caboose", "Change of Pace", K105's Kountry Kruiser with A.J. McCloud, a karate demonstration, "Country Lovin'", and the St. Ignatius High School Circus Club roaming the grounds. Along with the usual main raffle, fairgoers could take their chances to win a 5 foot oak glider from the Garden Club and the cedar chest, afghan and chef's pot from the Infant of Prague Guild. Many area youngsters tried to catch the slick hog in the greased pig contest (future contests were eliminated due to the heat and concerns about the treatment and safety of the animal). Record crowds overflowed even the overflow parking areas at Crestwood High School. Festival officials noted the first marriage proposal in the history of the event (yes, it was accepted).

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32nd Ox Roast Fair ~ July 14-16, 1995
"A Family A-Fair"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Despite severe thunderstorms and sweltering heat, a good-sized crowd still turned out for the 32nd, Fr. Tom McCarthy's first fair as pastor (Sept. 1, 1994 - July 31, 2003). Saturday was a wash because of the storm but the turn out was good on Sunday even using the overflow parking at the high school. Unfortunately, many of the events and tractor pulls were canceled Saturday evening. Wet conditions caused several pulls to be canceled again on Sunday. People did head into the church hall when it started to rain but the heat inside caused crowds to be sent home. Although Sunday night's storms weren't as severe, they did cause the cancellation of most of the fireworks display allowing only about one third of them to be shot off. Between storms Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and the intense heat and humidity, hundreds of volunteers pitched in and did all they could to make the parish's biggest fundraiser of the year stay open. Although it was not the big success that the past couple of years have been, St. Joseph's Ox Roast 1995 will certainly be a fair to remember. All of the fair favorites were available with the addition of pick-up truck pulls, the Crestwood Band Boosters jail fundraiser, and a performance from the "Sweet Adeline's". Parking was $2.00 per vehicle. Trade booths were available for $150 or $100 for a non-profit organization for the standard booth and $300 for the large booth. Janine Soloman, a fifth grader at St. Joseph School, won the t-shirt design contest with her "Where's The Ox?" drawing and is still a favorite design.

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33rd Ox Roast Fair ~ July 19-21, 1996
"Oxtravaganza"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

"Thoroughly Roasted" was the catch phrase of Ox Roast Fair weekend in 1996. During this year our Ox Roast Barn burned down early Saturday morning (most likely an electrical short). Luckily, most everything was on the fairgrounds & no one was injured. Unfortunately the golf cart of volunteer Loretta Brugmann and a couple of the fair's big signs were lost in the fire.
Delicious offerings besides the ox roast treats were the cake booth, hamburgers, hotdogs, BBQ ribs, perogies, sausage sandwiches, elephant ears, french fries, soft serve, gyros, corn on the cob, funnel cakes, and lemon shake up. The 7th and 8th grade classes of St. Joseph School served up frozen treats at their booth including root beer floats, juice bars, popsicles and chocolate covered frozen bananas. The sausage sandwich booth run by Boy Scout Troop #575 helped to raise funds for Chris Walters' planned Eagle Project of building a pavilion on the grounds. Big Chuck and Lil' John from WJW-TV8 were at the Fair hosting a pizza eating contest which was an exciting and popular event.
A theme contest was held for St. Joseph School & CCD program students - 6 year old Robert Budny won with his "Oxtravaganza" entry winning a ride pass for an entire day at the Fair. Entertainment favorites taking the stage included "Country Lovin'", the Sweet Adeline's Heart of Ohio Chorus, four-time regional champion barber shop quartet "Glitz", K105 live remote, "Rob Cosma", "Southbound", Tom Todd, The Amazing Musical Wizard (an electronic one-man band), "Dave C and the Sharp Tones". Because of a surplus of past year's T-shirts and budget concerns, no new shirt was available for the 33rd fair. St. Joe's youth group sponsored the dunking booth. Dime pitch, Quarterfalls and a Cleveland Indians Series games were games run by the church as well as the indoor casino. The Home & School Association held their silent auction in the hall. Area Girl Scouts collected canned goods for the 4C's (Mantua's food cupboard) as a deal on reducing admission on Sunday - parking was half price with a donation instead of the $2.00 per vehicle charge.

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34th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 18-20, 1997
"Almost Heaven, Ox Roast '97"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

Volunteer crews helped to rebuild the fire destroyed Ox Roast barn soon after the fair's end in 1996 so that all the equipment could be safely stored away for future Ox Roast Fairs. The new building was slightly bigger with three large garage doors, plenty of shelving and overhead storage, electricity, and a cement floor and pad in front of the building.

Beautiful weather and record crowds had the 34th living up to it's theme as fairgoers consumed 3,500 pounds of sirloin roasts in sandwiches and more than 1,200 dinners. The year's event was dedicated to Chuck Pechman, 20-year fair veteran in charge of cooking the beef, who died in November of 1996. Dinners were $7 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, $3.75 for children 12 and under, and $2 for children 3 and under. After a short absence, karaoke was back once again. The "Where's The Ox" t-shirt design was once again available (printer's error) on a medium blue shirt with gold ink. The Girl Scouts collected a pick-up load of non-perishable food items for the 4C's easily doubling the previous year's effort. As in year's past, surplus food items were contributed to the Center of Hope in Ravenna, including 100 pounds of beef, vegetables and bread.

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35th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 17-19, 1998
"75th Anniversary of St. Joseph Parish"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. Noon-11:00 p.m.

The parish's 75th "silver" anniversary was commemorated in the t-shirt design using a royal blue shirt with a metallic silver ox logo with a small diamond near the ox's horns. Festivities included "Dave C & The Sharp Tones", K105's Country Cruiser, "Junction 303", gospel and country entertainer Mark Statler, rhythm and blues band "Son of Ghoul" with "The Ignitors", Big Chuck and Lil' John passing out pictures and autographs, karaoke, and special fireworks set to music to close things out on Sunday. Secretary of State Robert Taft visited the fairgrounds with his campaign for governor. Truck and tractor pulls were back again with antique, farm, garden, semis, and 4-wheel drive pick-ups. Unfortunately, the kiddie tractor pulls could not take place due to the Crestwood Jaycee inability to locate the three pedal tractors for the event they ran. It was thought that they were being stored in the township garage after their old storage place, the granary, was torn down in October, 1997, but they were no where to be found. Of course, the carnival games and amusement rides, church-run games like dime pitch, Quarterfalls, Indian's Series Game, and the dunking booth sponsored by St. Joseph's CYO Soccer were back. The casino, cake booth, silent auction, and big raffle for $5,000 in cash prizes enticed the gambler in everyone. Dinners, sandwiches and delicious foods were among the favorites once again. Our beautiful pavilion was Chris Walters' Boy Scout Eagle Project in 1998 (thanks to T.J. Dick's 1999 Eagle Project, lighting/electrical service is now provided there as well). Retired priest and pastor of St. Joe's when the Ox Roast Fair began, Msgr. Francis Hughes was all smiles while visiting the 35th.

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36th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 16-18, 1999
"Lookin' Fine in '99"
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. Noon-11:00 p.m.

The oxen were roasting again in Mantua at this annual event that draws nearly 20,000 over the 3-day fair weekend. Some new features added to the traditional fun and games was an increase in the main raffle - $5,000 for first prize, $1,500 for second, and $500 for third. Due to the increased cost and liability of the fireworks display, it was decided to forego the popular event with money put into the raffle instead (incidentally, windy weather for the 1998 fireworks display sent sparks dangerously close to the school's roof)). In addition, a Step 2 play area for the toddler and pre-school set, and the Mantua/Shalersville Fire Department Fire Safety Trailer to help teach kids about fire safety procedures were on hand. Inflatable Amusements were offered for the kids and young people - games included "Box 'n Battle", with it's giant boxing gloves, and "Bungee Run", with it's tethered contestant races. Onion blossoms were a new food item added. The year's souvenir t-shirt was red with a metallic silver ox logo.
The 1999 Ox Roast Fair was dedicated in loving memory of a Linda Kulka. A St. Joe parishioner, wife and mother of four, who was a dedicated volunteer (chairing the Distribution aspect of the Fair along side her husband for many years) was tragically killed in a head on auto crash on March 2, 1999. In her honor Fair workers wore special green ribbons during the Fair. Husband Terry Kulka & family graciously accepted a framed piece of artwork with a verse expressing everyone's sentiments. Linda's commitment & spirit will always be remembered.
Great volunteers, community spirit, hot & humid, selfless giving, lots of fun, blessings abound, hospitality, tired smiles, 7,800 pounds of trash!, entertaining, sold out booths, stewardship, 99 kegs of beer!, delicious food, bigger and better summed up the 36th Ox Roast.

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37th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 21-23, 2000
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 1:00-11:00 p.m.

This year featured two T-shirts, one designed by parishioner Ken Zander featuring an ox pulling against a tractor and one depicting an old-fashioned tractor pull scene. Inflatable amusements were a feature once again on Sunday afternoon with the "Iron Man Challenge", the ultimate in obstacle courses, "Jousting", a medieval contest, and "Sumo Wrestling", a costumed challenge. The casino was expanded to encompass the entire back of Hughes Hall and included games like Black Jack, Let It Ride, Roulette, Chuck-a-Luck, Poker and Instant Bingo. Home & School parents discontinued the Silent Auction and served elsewhere throughout the fair including promoting the sale of their 2000-2001 Lottery fundraiser. Dinners were $7.50 for adults, $5.57 for seniors, $4 for children 4-12, and $2 for children 3 and under. Admission was $2.00 per vehicle with half price offer with a 4C's Food cupboard donation on Sunday once again. Boy Scout Troop #575 member Wes Hawkins held a fingerprinting booth for child safety-minded parents as a part of his Eagle Project.

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38th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 20-22, 2001
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. Noon-11:00 p.m.

Ultra lights flew over the fairgrounds snapping some breathtaking photos with a bird's eye view of the huge crowds thanks to Jeff & Edie Benner. It's hard to believe that the Ox Roast Fair could be more successful than it was in 2000 . . . but this year's efforts paid off. The weather cooperated, although it was hotter than most would have liked. The crowds were tremendous, again. The volunteers were even more amazing. The income, expense and profit figures were unbelievable ($224,000 total income, $136,00 in expenses, and $88,000 profit). The 38th was bigger and better than ever (seems like this is the case every year!). The t-shirt was a sandstone color with a dark green ox logo on the front and "Forever Red" tractor-themed transfer on the back. Did you know that 5% of each year's final profits are put back into the operation of future Fairs? Not only do these upgrades and purchases enhance our wonderful event, they also ease in the set-up and running of the Fair for everyone involved. 2001 ORF improvements included additional tractor pull fencing and a new access road installed to address safety concerns and provide better flow of traffic, 4C's banner replaced, more cement pads for food booths, purchase of additional 2-way radios and snow fencing, upgrades to the electrical system, and four sets of portable bleachers were purchased in a cooperative effort between St. Joe's, Crestwood Girls Ponytail League, Crestwood Soccer Association, and Crestwood Youth Baseball (groups who use the parish's fields throughout the year). During the 38th Annual the Ox Roast meat wrapping process was streamlined with careful attention to public health concerns, digital photos of the pulls and other aspects of the Fair were taken, and the event had the most trade booths ever.

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39th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 19-21, 2002
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

It was hot & muggy but they still came! Large crowds, sold out booths, a welcoming spirit, tired smiles and that wonderful sense of accomplishment marked another very successful Ox Roast Fair. As our summer visitors expressed their amazement, hundreds of volunteers provided gracious hospitality for our wonderful fund raiser.

A legend in the tractor-pulling community, Don McCarthy, climbed aboard his 1957 John Deere 620 for the last time during the classics pull (with the help of his sons Pat & Dave). His tractor was then auctioned off to raise money to help defray expenses for Don and his wife who both suffer from Alzheimer's disease.

Good times, food, music and more were once again a part of the Fair. Amusement rides, tractor pulls, trade booths, casino, contests and give-aways once again delighted thousands of people. Entertainment included "Diamond Back", K105's live remote broadcast, karaoke, singer/songwriter Michael Osborne, "The Happy Timers" with polka favorites, "The Son of Ghoul", and "Out of the Ashes". The year's t-shirt was gray with a blue ox logo on the front and a "Vintage Iron" (tractor) transfer on the back for the adults and a "cow with tractor" scene transfer for the kids. Admission was $3.00 per vehicle with fairgoers who donate canned goods for the 4C's on Sunday receiving a $1.00 discount. The Mantua Knights of Columbus help to run the kiddie tractor pulls with their equipment.

Bill & Rose Sontag, long-time volunteers who were "retiring", were presented with a plaque of appreciation for dedication and service to the Ox Roast Fair.

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40th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 18-20, 2003
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. Noon-11:00 p.m.

"Fabulous" was the best way to describe this year's event. The weather was perfect, the crowds tremendous, the fun and entertainment delightful, and the food was delicious, as usual. As a part of the ongoing reinvestment and upgrades to the Fair, 24 more tables were refurbished with new tops, additional fencing for tractor pull safety, the purchase of a new gas grill for the hamburg/hotdog booth, a new salad bar unit and three more fryers, plus improvements to the beer garden area. The cash office was streamlined to improve accuracy and timeliness of reporting to booth chairpeople. The 40th Annual featured an original t-shirt design by parishioner Ken Zander on a lime green garment. Patriotic Ox Roast Fair hats featuring a stylized flag design with embroidered stars and visors both with the famous "ox logo" and 40th anniversary 1/2 yard 'o beer mugs were new to the Fair this year. A John Deere garden tractor donated by Pete Kepich of Kepich Ford Mercury in Garrettsville was added to the main raffle with $7,000 in prizes. The Garden Club raffled off a handmade glider. Trade booths were available for $250 non-commercial use and $350 for commercial use, including businesses and political parties. The festivities included the typical rides, games, contests and giveaways, along with tractor, pick-up and semi pulls, live entertainment, karaoke, and the indoor casino. Entertainment included the "Outlaw Cloggers", "The Entertainers", K105's Country Cruiser live remote, "Michael Osborne", the Elvis tribute band "Walt Sanders and the Cadillac Band", and "The Happy Timers".

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41st Ox Roast Fair ~ July 16-18, 2004
Fri. 6:00-11:00 p.m.• Sat. 3:00-11:00 p.m. • Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

Portage County's biggest event next the County Fair made a mention in Ohio Magazine's Calendar of Events in their July issue. The main raffle offered the ever-popular $7,000 in cash prizes plus a John Deere garden tractor (once again donated by Pete Kepich) along with $100 hourly attendance drawings. Pepsi donated an electric scooter an helmet which was raffled at the Children's Game Booth. The Garden Club raffled off an Amish-made outdoor glider and side table. Parking fee remained at $3.00 per vehicle with the discount for canned good donations for the 4C's on Sunday. Boy Scout Troop #575 member Tyler Turner refurbished the Funnel Cake Booth for his Eagle Project. Tractor and barn designs were featured on the back of "steel" colored (greeny-gray) T-shirts for the adults (the kids' shirts were gray). Both shirts had the ox logo in navy on the front. To conform with a new state law the beer and wine coolers were consumed in the beer garden area only. This was Fr. Michael Balash's first Ox Roast Fair (coming to the parish Aug. 1, 2003). Total income was $202,729.74 with expenses totaling $121,864.21 with a final profit of $80,883.53.

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42nd Ox Roast Fair ~ July 22-24, 2005
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

The ninety-degree temperatures didn't keep the crowds away from this area tradition! Fairgoers were offered a bit of relief with a fine mist spray they could walk under to beat the heat. Once again a variety of things to see and do were offered. The family atmosphere with good food, entertainment, tractor pulls and rides and games. The "The Wizards of Ox" event was listed in the "102 Days & Nights of Summer" article featured in Ohio Magazine -- "It's a fair, so you've got midway rides and carnival games and live music . . . oh, and 3,500 pounds of ox sirloin roast beef. The Ox Roast Fair in Mantua is a carnivore's dream, with the mass of meat prepared in brick-lined pits, which are heated for days before the fair with a constantly burning wood fire. Wash down your sandwich with a brew from the Beer Garden, and then make a beeline for the frog-jumping contest." Besides the $7,000 in cash prizes, the main raffle also featured a special prize of a John Deere garden tractor, tag-a-long cart, and a weedeater (thanks to Pete Kepich Ford Mercury). Total profit was reported as $116.262.21 ($236,133.89 income & $119,871.68 expenses).

A very popular "Ox Crowd" t-shirt design on a gold shirt was expertly created by Ken Zander. He also was kind enough to sketch a worker's shirt design with an ox chasing a working (notice the match in hand & lighted tail!). This design was available in t's and sweatshirts by ordering prior to the Fair.

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43rd Ox Roast Fair ~ July 21-23, 2006
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

About 400 volunteers worked through foul weather and fair to make the 43rd Ox Roast Fair a success. Friday night the fairgrounds were packed and you could hardly walk through it. Saturday's rain had little affect on the crowds who came out after the skies cleared. Tractor pull officials had to scrape mud off the track so the pullers wouldn't slide all over, various areas of the church grounds had straw strewn across the muddy areas to help people keep their shoes clean, and McGinnis Amusements had to shut down some their rides because of the rain. Once again the Ox Roast Fair meant food and fun with family fun for all ages - rides, a dunking booth, tractor and truck pulls, carnival-type games, contests, cash prizes, a casino tent and live entertainment. A large ox logo in black on the front of a rust colored t-shirt (kids' shirts were orange) was the souvenir of choice in 2006. Worker shirts were once again available to order. Unfortunately, the fair ended on a note of serious concern for Lydia Hart, an employee of the security crew hired to handle the parking, who was hit by a car while directing traffic from St. Joseph Blvd. onto Pioneer Trail. She was flown by Lifeflight to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland where she was listed in good condition. The highway patrol investigated the accident and believe alcohol was a factor. The public was reassured that strict procedures are followed including i.d. checks, monitoring patrons, and only serving within a fenced-in area. Lydia recovered from her injuries and returned the next year insisting on taking the same post as the scene of the accident. The Fair's total income was $225.581.70 with $122.526.07 in expenses making a total of $103,055.63 in profit.

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44th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 20-22, 2007
Fri. 6:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sat. 3:00 p.m.-Midnight • Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

The 44th Ox Roast Fair in 2007 at St. Joseph Parish in Mantua was another huge success! The weekend was beautiful with the much-needed rain showers clearing out just in time for the event. The Mantua weekend weather was superb bringing out tremendous crowds with nearly all of the food booths selling out before the close on Sunday - ANOTHER RECORD-BREAKING YEAR! Delighting people from all over the area and beyond were the usual delicious food, live entertainment, a variety of rides, games, contests, and giveaways, tractor, truck & semi pulls, trade booths, indoor and outdoor casino areas and famous ox roast. The main raffle included a Toro Z 0-turn tractor donated by Pete Kepich in addition to the $7,000 in cash prizes. Entertainment featured the rock-a-billy band "Billy & the Bullets", a top 40 classic rock band " Classic Radio", polka and more from "Different Directions", and rockin' country and variety from "Midnight Highway". The new parish logo was featured in white ink on the peri blue shirts made available during the Fair (although they were not too popular with fairgoers, most of the ox themed T-shirts from past years were sold out). Workers could order their own special shirt as in past years. Father Balash noted that the success of the fair depends on the generosity and kindness of hundreds of volunteers whose hard work is greatly appreciated. Total profit was $147,008.69 ($280,303.02 total income and $133.294.33 in expenses)!!!

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45th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 18-20, 2008
Fri. 6:00-11:00 p.m.• Sat. 3:00-11:30 p.m.• Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

The weekend was hot and humid but the few showers didn't deter people from coming out and enjoying St. Joseph's 45th Ox Roast Fair. Once again the grounds of the parish spilled over with tremendous crowds with nearly all of the food booths selling out before the close on Sunday. As our new pastor, Fr. Michael Garvey was initiated well by jumping right in all of the set-up and beef preparations as well as taking a turn in the Dunking Booth. He expressed is sentiments . . . "I am amazed at the hard work and knowledge that our parish has with this important project." The main raffle included prizes of $5,000 in cash, $1,500 in gift cards, and $500 in Ohio Instant Lottery tickets. Other raffles included a John Deere lawn tractor (donated by Pete Kepich) and a secretary's desk from the K of C Women's Auxiliary. Souvenir T-shirts featured a dual anniversary design created by parishioner Ken Zander commemorating the parish's 85th anniversary and the Ox Roast Fair's 45th anniversary.

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46th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 17-19, 2009
Fri. 6:00-11:00 p.m.• Sat. 3:00-11:30 p.m.• Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

Mother Nature bless this year's Ox Roast with beautiful weather with only a few showers before Fair hours. Once again the grounds of the parish spilled over with tremendous crowds with nearly all of the food booths selling out before the close on Sunday. The fun & entertainment were delightful and the food was delicious, as usual, as folks from the surrounding area and even out of state visitors enjoyed the hospitality of the Parish Community of St. Joseph. The main raffle included prizes of $5,000, a Cub Cadet Lawn Tractor, and $500. The K of C Women's Auxiliary raffle for a gas grill & BBQ basket of prizes. New this year was the Ox Roast Idol Karaoke Contest with $200, $100 and $50 prizes awarded. The Center of Hope in Ravenna received $729.53 in Ox Roast Fair surplus again this year. As good stewards to those in need in our area, St. Joseph's gave various salad bar items. Souvenir T-shirts featured an "Ox Family" created by Ken Zander.

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47th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 16-18, 2010
Fri. 6:00-11:30 p.m.• Sat. 1:00-11:30 p.m.• Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

It was hot and humid with just a couple of showers that didn't deter fair-goers. Great crowds, sold out booths, and wonderful volunteers once again made the 47th Annual a huge success.
The Fair's raffle drawings were held at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. For the event's main raffle gave away $500.00, a Cub Cadet Lawn Tractor (donated by M & M Sales of Streetsboro) and top prize of $5,000.00 was awarded as well has several hourly drawing prizes. Kiddie Pulls, Frog Jumping contest, Ox Idol, and, of course, the pulls were once again big crowd pleasers. Souvenir shirts featured a "retro" Ox Couple, an original Ox Roasting design by Ken Zander along with an exclusive "I Sang at Ox Idol" design by Ken.

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48th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 15-17, 2011
Fri. 6:00-11:30 p.m.• Sat. 1:00-11:30 p.m.• Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

The 48th had nearly perfect weather for a wonderful event. Although the afternoons were hot the grounds of the parish spilled over with tremendous crowds by evening with many of the food booths selling out before the close on Sunday. The fun and entertainment were delightful and the food was delicious, as usual, as folks from the surrounding area and even out of state visitors enjoyed the hospitality of the Parish Community of St. Joseph. The Fair's main raffle winners were the 3rd prize of a John Deere 16" Line Trimmer went to Jean Taylor of Mantua, the 2nd prize of Cub Cadet Riding Tractor LTX1046 46" Cut was won by Steve Perhach of Shalersville, and the top prize of $5,000.00 was awarded to Lyle & Lynda Tayerle of Mantua. A few lucky fair-goers were awarded prizes through the hourly drawings in which winners had to be present: Jim Sargiovanni, Sr., Janice Schmidt, and Joe Casalicchio. The Knights of Columbus Women's Auxiliary held a raffle for a wrought iron patio set with 4 chairs, cushions, umbrella, and a basket of summertime goodies. Congratulations to winner Jeanne Deuley of Mantua. Ox Roast Idol 2011 saw many singers in our karaoke contest this year. Coming out on top for the 3rd Annual Ox Roast Idol: 1st ($200)-Ray Markward of Shalersville, 2nd ($100)-the trio of Danielle Cavanaugh, Hailey Kress and Maranda Seither of Streetsboro & Mantua, 3rd ($50)-Amy Powers of Ravenna.
Thank goodness Mother Nature waited until Monday to hit the fairgrounds and destroy nearly every tent on the grounds (insurance coverage will help replace the damaged items)!

Beginning plans for our 50th in 2013!!!

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49th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 20-22, 2012
Fri. 6:00-11:30 p.m.• Sat. 1:00-11:30 p.m.• Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

This year’s Fair had nearly perfect weather for a wonderful event. Friday’s sprinkles stopped, Saturday was perfect, and the crowds still came despite Sunday’s 90+ temps. The fun and entertainment were delightful and the food was delicious, as usual, as folks from the surrounding area and even out of state visitors enjoyed the hospitality of the Parish Community of St. Joseph. Of course, the Friday night fireworks, Kiddie Tractor Pulls, Tradebooths, Ox Idol, live bands, Frog Jumping Contest, Tractor & Truck Pulls were once again part of the festivities.
The Fair’s raffle drawings were held at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. For the event’s main raffle the 3rd prize of a Stihl Line Trimmer went to Jason Carlton of Mantua, the 2nd prize of Cub Cadet Zero Turn Mower was won by Autumn Sindelar of Mantua, and the top prize of $5,000.00 was awarded to Dave Labas of Mantua.
New to the activities this year was the addition of the “Run of the Ox” 5K Run/Walk held on Saturday morning. Over 130 participants made this a wonderful success. Coming out on top overall for the men were Steve Green, Paul Fafrak, and Joshua Barry and for the women were Holly Haffner, Bella Wagner, and Erin Sullivan.

Set-up chair Terry Kulka was honored with a plaque and certificate as he ended numerous years of overseeing this area of the Fair. Duties have been handed over to Austin Anderson.

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