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.

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.
 

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.



 

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".

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.

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 weed-eater (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.

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.

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)!!!

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.

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.

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.

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)!


 

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.


 

50th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 19-21, 2013
"50 Years of Magnificence!"
Fri. 6:00-11:30 p.m.• Sat. 1:00-11:30 p.m.• Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

The 50th Annual Ox Roast Fair was a wonderful event despite some weather challenges. The severe heat and humidity of the week lifted late Friday, Saturday morning’s showers didn’t deter our 5K participants, and even the downpour later didn’t chase away all the visitors. Although the mud made for a challenging finish to the weekend, the crowds didn’t disappoint for the 50th celebration and another great year of community spirit! 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.
For the event’s main raffle the 3rd prize of a $350.00 went to Katie Cook of Mantua, the 2nd prize of UTV donated by Kepich Ford of Garrettsville was won by Monica Fratus of Hiram, and the top prize of $6,400.00 was awarded to Joe Kotkowski of Shalersville. Hourly drawings winners were Luci Curtin, Paula Gerba, Doug Engelhart, Sue Dick, and Ruth Fitzgerald. 50/50 raffle prizes went to Friday ($628.00)-Ruth Fitzgerald, Saturday ($929.50)-Eric Szilagy, Sunday ($822.50)-Cathy Frances. The Knights of Columbus Women's Auxiliary held a raffle for an RCA 42" LED Full HDTV Flat-screen TV and X-Box Gaming System along with a beautiful gold afghan & pillow set (donated by Cookie Starr). Congratulations to winners Bob & Rose Fathauer of Mantua. Proceeds go towards furnishing the group's "Christmas Family" with food and gifts for the entire family.
A new endeavor this year was the beach-themed photo booth sponsored by the Parish Evangelization Project (PEP-diocesan initiative for evangelization) which fairgoers could stop by for a photo, fill out a survey, and sign up to volunteer for the parish's "Walk With Us" community wide service day in September.
The “Run of the Ox” 5K Run/Walk was held on Saturday morning with 98 participants despite steady showers. Coming out on top overall for the men were Steve Green, Nathan Schultz, and Nathan Green and for the women were Erin Sullivan, Rosalie Novotny, and Emily Bertram. Trophies were awarded to the following top winners in the Kiddie Tractor Pull - in the 4 & 5 age category, Jayda Gross, age 5 of Warren, placed third, Dmitry Hruby, age 4 of Grafton, took second, and Boe McPeak, age 5 of Kent, won the age level with her first place pull. For the 6 & 7 year olds, Hank Winland, age 6 of Mantua, accomplished third place, Roxxy Bretz, age 6 of Mantua, won second place, and Nick Rushnok, age 7 of Shalersville, beat them out for first place. The 8 & 9 year old level saw Jackson Summer, age 8 of Mantua, place third, Donald Whitehair, age 8 of Shalersville, achieve second place, and Miles Winland, age 9 of Mantua, attain first place. Sunday’s Frog Jumping Contest was a hopping good time for third prize winner Matt Wright, age 4 of Shalersville, who was awarded $3.00, a stuffed frog toy, and an Ox Roast t-shirt, and to second prize winner Destiny Verbic, age 5-3/4 of Mantua who won $5.00, a stuffed frog toy, and a t-shirt. First prize of $10.00, a stuffed frog toy, and a t-shirt was won by Mason Koltz, age 23 months of Medina. Ox Roast Idol 2013 saw the following singers coming out on top for the annual Ox Roast Idol: 1st ($200)-Eric Perrault, 2nd ($100)-Raymond Markward, 3rd ($50)-Kandi.

51st Ox Roast Fair ~ July 18-20, 2014
Fri. 6:00-11:30 p.m.• Sat. 1:00-11:30 p.m.• Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

Mother Nature gave us a little bit of everything . . . a beautiful Friday, on & off showers for Saturday with cooler temps, and then a hot & humid Sunday. A new layout featured our famous Ox Sandwich Booth in a central location, an expanded Family Ox Land with games in the shade, and a new "The Thirsty Ox" Beer Booth next to the Entertainment Tent. New sponsorships, exciting entertainment, and a Blessing of Bikes were also added.
For the event’s main raffle the 2nd prize of a $500 Kalahari Resort gift card was won by Nanette Van Auken of Mantua, and the top prize of $5,000 was awarded to Tom Gedeon of Garrettsville. The Knights of Columbus Women's Auxiliary held a raffle for an RCA 46" LED Flat-screen TV which went to Crystal Chevrier. Second prize of a Sports Basket went to Terry Frost.
In it’s third year, the “Run of the Ox” 5K Run/Walk was held on Saturday morning with 82 participants despite steady showers. Coming out on top overall for the men were Pete Hannan, Jakab McConnell, and David Krause, and for the women were Rosalie Franek, Kira Edic, and Michelle Zuponcu. Another great crowd-pleaser was the Kiddie Tractor Pulls on Saturday with trophies awarded Colton Warnick, age 4 of Garrettsville, placed third, Matt Wright, age 5 of Butler, took second, and Dmitry Hruby, age 5 of Grafton, won the age level with his first place pull. For the 6 & 7 year olds, Sam Wright, age 7 of Butler, accomplished third place, Hank Winland, age 7 of Mantua, won second place, and Roxxy Bretz, age 7 of Mantua, beat them out for first place. The 8 & 9 year old level saw Kierra Lommler, age 8 of Streetsboro, place third, Dominic Goff, age 8 of Shalersville, achieve second place, and Nathan Walker, age 8 of Shalersville, attain first place. Congratulations to Sunday's Frog Jumping Contest winners third prize winner Brandon Hall, age 8 of Kent, to second prize winner Ally Clayman, age 10 of Mantua, and first place finisher Brendan Fejes, age 9 of Mantua. The Ox idol Karaoke Contest saw the following who came out on top! 1st ($200) - Connor Rowe, Mantua; 2nd ($100) - Mya, Ky, Mani & VV Hawkins/Whitehead, Ravenna; 3rd ($50) - Raymond Markward, Shalersville.

52nd Ox Roast Fair ~ July 17-19, 2015
Fri. 6:00-11:30 p.m.• Sat. 1:00-11:30 p.m.• Sun. Noon-10:00 p.m.

This year’s Ox Roast was quite the scorcher with plenty of heat & humidity. The crowds did not disappoint and we had a good turnout. Of course, we could not put on this great event with out the tireless efforts of hundreds of volunteers. Many go above & beyond, offering their time, talent & treasure. This was Father Garvey's last Ox Roast as he retires from active ministry August 31. Our newly assigned pastor, Fr. Ed Stafford joined us Friday night. His reaction was “This is bigger than a county fair!” “It is great to see so many young people involved in this project!”
A few changes in layout were made with Main Pop & the Talent Stage (Ox Idol) being shifted for better public access. A cement pad was poured for the Ox Sandwich Booth and a Craft Beer Tent was added.
The  Main Raffle first prize was a Harley Street Glide FLHX Motorcycle supplied by Carlton Harley-Davidson of Mantua and was won by Greg Greenwald of Stow. Second prize of $3,000 was won by Ty Hunt of Lyndhurst. $100 Hourly Drawings & 50/50 Raffles were also held. K of C Women's Auxiliary raffle for a One Hour Hot Air Balloon Ride courtesy of Spitfire Balloon Team with a fun filled basket went to Mary Jurkiewicz of Aurora. Second prize of a Coleman Portable Gas Grill & a 60 qt. Coleman Cooler filled with tailgating or  picnic items including a K & K Meats gift card went to Joe Casalicchio of Shalersville. The Ox Idol Karaoke Contest sponsored by Ferrara Electric Co., saw Pam Wenger place 1st, Linda Perrault, 2nd, and Kandi Chaykowski, 3rd. Thank you judges Jan Huter, Vicki Ferrara & Fr. Garvey. Now in it's fourth year, the Run of the Ox had 112 participants with top finishers Nathan Green, Pete Hannan & Giorgio Miceli for the men and Brenda Estlack & Emmalisa Kennedy, and Miranda Boyle for the women. The Booth Decorating Contest was awarded to The Thirsty Ox (aka Beer Garden) who received two books of raffle tickets. This year's  Frog Jumping Contest had Colton Warnick of Freedom place first, Ally Clayman of Mantua second, and Tristin Verbic of Mantua place third.  Ribbons & trophies were awarded to this year’s Kiddie Tractor Pull participants who peddled their hearts out! In the  age 4 & 5 category 1st - Robert Zoller (3), Mantua, 2nd - Gianna Huffman (5), Mantua, and 3rd - Bennett Szymanski (5), Mantua. The  6 & 7 year olds placed 1st - Dmitry Hruby (6), Grafton, 2nd - Boe McPeak (7), Kent, and 3rd - Matt Wright (6), Shalersville. The  Age 8 & 9 level saw 1st - Nathan Walker (9), Shalersville, 2nd - Hank Winland (8), Mantua, 3rd - Sam Wright (8), Shalersville. Once again the parish showed good stewardship with members of several Girl Scout Troops of the Crestwood School District & other volunteers collecting a vehicle full of canned goods to help stock the shelves of the 4C's, Mantua's food cupboard. The Center of Hope in Ravenna received Ox Roast Fair surplus again this year.

BACK TO MAIN OX ROAST PAGE