Ox Roast Fair - A Quality Festival

St. Joseph's most visible and locally famous fund raising event is the Annual Ox Roast Fair, which is held the third full weekend in July. Started in 1964 by Fr. John Wirtz (Associate Pastor with Fr. Hughes) to help pay for the new school, the Ox Roast Fair now directly supports the educational and sacramental ministries of St. Joseph Parish. This event utilizes the energy and talents of literally hundreds of parishioners and friends from the Mantua area and beyond!

Except for the carnival rides and games, part of the tractor pull events, and security, the booths & events are operated by St. Joseph volunteer families and friends. Along with the pastor, the Ox Roast Fair Core Group is the primary planning and steering committee which coordinates the efforts of the Ox Roast Fair and guides the overall direction of the Fair.

Of course, that famous Ox Roast beef has always been a part of the Ox Roast Fair. Up to 3,500 pounds of sirloin roasts are prepared in brick-lined pits which are heated several days before the fair with a constantly burning fire. The beef is prepared, wrapped in unbleached muslin & netting, and placed in the fiery coals, covered over, and cooked for several hours until done to perfection. The result is a delicious, slow-cooked beef sandwich, dinner, or sundae with mashed potatoes that melts in your mouth!

Schedule:

Friday, July 21, 2023

5:30pm: Eucharistic Procession (Fairgrounds)
5:00pm - 9:00pm: Dinners Served (Hall)
6:00pm: Antique Tractor Pull (Weigh-In 5 pm)
6:00pm: Midway & Indoor Casino Opens
6:00pm - 10:00pm: LIVE: “Jim Bob & George Karaoke” (Small Stage)
7:00pm - 10:00pm: LIVE: “Disco Inferno” (Disco At It’s Best!)
10:00pm: FIREWORKS DISPLAY!!!

Saturday, July 22, 2023

8:00am: “Run of the Ox” 5K Run/Walk & 1M Fun Walk (Regis. 7 am)
9:30am: Garden Tractor Pulls (Weigh-In 9 am)
1:00pm: Midway Opens
1:30pm - 2:30pm: LIVE-“Jungle Bob’s Educational Zoo”(Small Stage)
2:00pm - 5:00pm: LIVE-“42 South” (Main Stage) (Country)
3:00pm - 7:00pm: Dinners Served (Hall)
3:00pm: Indoor Casino Opens
5:00pm: Tractor & Semi Pull (Weigh-In 4 pm)
5:30pm: Kiddie Tractor Pull (Sign-Up 5 pm)
5:30pm - 7:30pm: LIVE-“Alex Bevan” (Contemporary Folk) (Beer Garden)
7:00pm - 10:00pm: LIVE-“Jim Bob & George Karaoke” (Small Stage)
8:00pm - 11:00pm: LIVE-“That 80’s Band” (80’s Rock ’n Roll)
Midnight: Mass for Volunteers & Fairgoers (Church)

Sunday, July 23, 2023

12:00pm: Midway Opens
1:00pm - 6:00pm: Dinners Served (Hall)
2:00pm - 5:00pm: LIVE-“Gray Beard Band” (Main Stage)(Rock)
3:00pm: Indoor Casino Opens
3:00pm: Frog Jumping Contest
4:30pm: 4WD Pick-Up Pull (Regis. 3:30 pm)
5:00pm - 6:30pm: LIVE-“Tyrone’s Blues Sinsation” in the Beer Garden (Classic Rock, Blues and Motown)
5:00pm: Blessing of Bikes (in front of church)
5:00pm - 10:00pm: LIVE-“Jim Bob & George Karaoke” (Small Stage)
7:00pm - 10:00pm: LIVE-“Freebird Tribute Band” (Rock ’n Roll)
9:30pm: Main Raffle Drawings
10:00pm: Fair Closes

Date: Friday, July 21, 2023 - Sunday, July 23, 2023

Hours:

Friday: 6:00pm - 11:30pm
Saturday: 1:00pm - 11:30pm
Sunday: 12:00pm - 10:00pm

Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church - 11045 St. Joseph Blvd, Mantua, Ohio 44255

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