2nd Ox Roast Fair ~ July 30-August 1, 1965
Fri. 5:00-11:00 p.m. • Sat. 5:00-11:00 p.m. • Sun. Noon-11:00 p.m.

Mantua Mayor Robert Thomas invited all residents of Mantua to join in the planning to make this 1965 event a success and declared the weekend "Mantua Ox Roast and Summer Fair Days". Daily events included sky divers, tractor pulls, antique car show, beauty contest, and a balloon ascension. Entertainment featured Mohawks baton twirling and marching (122 girls and boys who competed in the National Baton Twirling Association contest at the New York World's Fair the previous year), the Crestwood Pep Band (under the direction of Anthony Buonpane), Dixie Brady and his Promenaders (who entertained on Akron radio station WSLR's Midwestern Jamboree), the WHLO Good Guys (Bob Ancell, Warren Duffy, Joe Cunningham), and live bands provided music for "Dancing Under The Stars".

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.

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. {Very little information for this year}

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.

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.

 

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.
Charles Pechman & an unidentified friend prepare the 8 by 12 foot pit. According to Pechman, the right procedure involves digging the pit, adding five cords of hardwood and work up a roaring fire. Good size rocks are added to the fire to store heat, and when the embers are glowing, pitch in the ox--the whole ton of it. Swab meat carefully with sauce made from herbs and other seasonings, cover the pit and allow to simmer at least eight hours.
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.

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).

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."

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 crowd 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."

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.

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."

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.
 

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.