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Trivia
For the first time ever, the Ox Roast Fair was cancelled in 2020 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic that swept the world! Stay at home orders, closing of schools and non-essential businesses, wearing of masks in public, extreme attention to sanitization, and no large gatherings became part of life. The Main Raffle was still held and commemorative t-shirts marked this unprecedented year.
Fr. John Wirtz, Associate Pastor under Fr. Hughes began the Ox Roast Fair in 1964 to help pay for the new school. Visit our Ox History page for a glimpse at past fairs. It continues to raise funds for the support of the educational and sacramental ministries of St. Joseph Parish.
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 setup & running of the fair for everyone involved.
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.
Ox Roast surplus is donated to The Center of Hope in Ravenna.
In 1967, the main raffle prize was a gold Pontiac Firebird. For a look at this year's main raffle, click here.
"Thoroughly Roasted" was the catch phrase of Ox Roast Fair weekend in 1996. During our 33rd, our Ox Roast Barn burned down (most likely an electrical short). Luckily, most everything was on the fairgrounds & no one was injured.
Did you know . . . that many of our Ox Roast Fair T-shirts are original designs by our parish's very own artist, Ken Zander. In 2000, the five-color cartoon depicting an ox and tractor puller battling it out is on the back and our ox logo is on the front. He also lent his talents to the 2003 Ox Roast Fair T-shirt 40th Anniversary design. In 2005, Ken created a unique Ox Crowd design plus an ORF workers' shirt design. In 2008, his design commemorated the parish's 85th anniversary and the Ox Roast Fair's 45th anniversary. In 2009, we used his "family friendly" design on the back of the shirt. His Ox Roasting design was featured in 2010 along with an "I Sang at Ox Idol" shirt. In 2011, Loads of Fun donned the shirts. The "Charcoal Guy" design as well as the new "Run of the Ox" 5K Run/Walk t-shirt design were created in 2012. In 2013, he didn't disappoint with a 50th celebration design and another "Run of the Ox" creation. A "MASH-style sign" adorned 2014's ox shirt, a Harley Ox helped promote our main raffle prize, and in 2016 an Ox getting the best of the cook was featured. Look for the 2017 design that helps promote our new "The Legend of St. Joseph's Ox Roast Fair" coloring book (another creation of Ken's!). What will he come up with next?!
For many years, local Girl Scouts have collected non-perishables for the Crestwood area's food cupboard, the 4C's, on Sunday of the fair. The parking fee is reduced for each vehicle who makes a donation as they enter on Sunday.
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OX ROAST FAIR OFFICE
330-274-2268
(limited hours)
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Links
- Village of Mantua
- Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce
- Portage County, Ohio's Website
- Central Portage County Visitors & Convention Bureau
- Portage County Events
- OhioFestivals.net
- Travel Ohio Internet Guide
- Ohio Travel Association
- Festival Network Online
- www.ohiomagazine.com
- Streetsboro's Visitors & Convention Bureau
- Streetsboro Chamber of Commerce
- Aurora Convention & Visitor's Bureau
- Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Brimfield Area Chamber of Commerce
- Ravenna Chamber of Commerce
- Kent Area Chamber of Commerce
- Akron-Summit Convention & Visitor's Bureau
- Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce
- Hudson Chamber of Commerce
- Rootstown Chamber of Commerce
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the Ox Roast Fair located?
A: The beautiful grounds of the Parish Community of St. Joseph can be found in northern Portage County off Pioneer Trail, 1/4 mile west of S.R. 44, that's south of S.R. 82, just north of Mantua Village. Mantua is located on S.R. 44, 10 miles north of Ravenna, 20 miles northeast of Akron, and 27 miles southeast of Cleveland, Ohio. Look for the parish sign at St. Joseph Blvd. approximately 1/4 mile west of S.R. 44, south of S.R. 82, just north of Mantua Village (accessible from U.S. Rt. 422 just 7 miles north or Ohio Turnpike Exit 193 just 2 miles south).
Q: Is it really Ox?!
A: That famous Ox Roast beef has always been a part of the Fair and the question is always asked. Actually, sirloin roasts are specially prepared to result in that delicious, slow-cooked Ox Roast beef sandwich, sundae, or dinner that melts in your mouth. For more details, check out the Ox & More page to see a step-by-step photo album.
Q: Where is Hughes Hall?
A: Our Parish Hall is located in the school facility. During the fair weekend, you must enter through the east side doors (that's between the courtyard of tradebooths and the Soft Serve Booth). You'll find air-conditioned comfort as you enjoy our delicious Ox Roast Dinners or take a chance at our Indoor Casino.
Q: How much is admission?
A: Admission is free! The only cost is the $5.00 per vehicle parking fee as you enter the parking areas located right on the grounds of St. Joseph's. You'll enjoy live entertainment, truck and tractor pulls, trade booths, games and events at this wonderful community event. Purchase some great food, add a few rides and games for the kids (and the kids at heart!), and you've got the makings for a marvelous weekend for the whole family! On Sunday, if you bring a non-perishable food donation for the 4C's food cupboard you get a $1.00 off parking.
Q: Is the Ox Roast Fair always held in July?
A: Yes, you can just about count on St. Joseph's Ox Roast Fair being held the third full weekend in July (just find the third Friday of July and that's the kickoff date!).
Q: Where can I get an Ox Roast Fair T-shirt?
A: Ox Roast Fair T-shirts are available at the Fair for adults and children. Classic T-shirts from past years are also available at reduced rates in limited sizes. The booth is located next to the Cake Booth against the building as you enter from the main parking lot.
Q: Where can I purchase an Ox Roast Fair raffle ticket?
A: Tickets for the Ox Roast Fair's Raffle are available through all St. Joseph parishioners, the Parish Office, at area events and businesses, and at the Raffle Ticket Booth during fair hours.
Q: Can I have a food booth or group come to the Ox Roast?
A: It pretty amazing but the majority of the Fair is run by volunteers!!! Except for the carnival rides and games, part of the tractor/truck pull events, and security, ALL booths & events are operated by St. Joseph VOLUNTEER families and friends. All profits go directly to support the mission and ministry of the parish and it's organizations. A great community effort! However, we do rent space to local businesses and organizations to get their message out. Just click here for Trade Booth information.
Q: Does St. Joseph also host the Mantua Potato Festival?
A: No, the two are not related except that they both take place in Mantua. The idea may come from the fact that many St. Joseph parishioners are or were involved with Mantua's Potato Festival.
F.Y.I. - The Mantua Potato Festival is held the weekend after Labor Day in Mantua's Buchert Park on East High St. The Potato Festival features many food items made from potatoes: candy, doughnuts, pierogies, pancakes, bread, cookies and more. For more information, please call 330-274-0770.
Q: Do I have to pay the parking fee when I come to Mass?
A: Of course not! Parishioners and visitors are most welcome to come to St. Joseph's weekend Masses without paying to park. Our Mass time is the same as other weekends 9 a.m. on Sunday. By the way, one of our pastors usually stays up to celebrate a midnight Mass on Saturday for fair workers, parishioners, and visitors who wish to attend.Didn't find an answer ?????
. . . . . . . . just click around our website or contact the Parish Office (330-274-2253)
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Where to find us
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Publicity
You've found one of our newest ways to publicize our parish's biggest event of the year right here at www.stjosephmantua.com. Help us spread the word!
Tri-Fold Flyers & Posters
Our colorful, informational flyers are available as soon as our schedule is set (usually late May). Pick them up at the Parish Office, local businesses and visitor's centers, and as you enter the fairgrounds. Colorful yard signs are distributed to parishioners and throughout the local community.
Newspapers, Radio & TV Stations,
Churches, Magazines & Internet
Advertising and lots of promotional information goes out to area media & churches. Look for our press releases and ads in the Record Courier, Good News, Farm & Dairy, Record Publishing local papers, and your church bulletin.
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Find us on Facebook
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Feedback
Following our commitment to provide a quality festival, we welcome your questions, comments & suggestions. Please feel free to contact us:
On our Facebook page, St. Joseph's Ox Roast Fair
By E-mail @ [email protected] or [email protected]
By Phone @ 330-274-2253
By Mail @ St. Joseph Church, 11045 St. Joseph Blvd., Mantua, OH 44255The information will be forwarded to the Ox Roast Fair Core Group.
Thank you!
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Just Curious . . .
Where did you hear
about the Ox Roast Fair?
Where are you from?
How long have you been coming?
Just drop us an e-mail.
BACK TO MAIN OX ROAST PAGE
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