The 57th Ox Roast Fair ended with a bang! The week’s rain including downpours on Friday & Saturday didn’t dampen the spirit of our wonderful volunteers. Sunday’s sunshine brought out huge crowds and everyone had a good time despite the muddy conditions. Rest assured the grounds will be repaired thanks to our Maintenance & Grounds Ministry, volunteers, and the help of our friends and parishioners at Lakeside Sand & Gravel. We can’t begin to give enough thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who make our great parish family event happen each year. Not only is it a parish fundraiser but yet another opportunity to extend our hospitality and it’s a blessing to all. We so appreciate every ones’ efforts, support, and participation. Watch for raffles, pulls, and contests winners' results on our Ox Thanks page.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
58th Ox Roast Fair ~ July 15, 16 & 17, 2022!

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 under 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 & friends. Along with the pastor, the Ox Roast Fair Core Group is the primary planning & 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!

Look for much more information by clicking on the link buttons below.
Here's a summary of what you'll find on our Ox Pages.

Ox Details - schedule, admission, parking
Ox Raffles - main raffle, 50/50
Ox Music - bands & other entertainment
Ox & More - complete list of food & beverages
Ox Fun - rides, events, games
Ox Store - t-shirts, mugs & other merchandise
Ox Pulls - truck, tractor, semi & kiddie pulls
Ox Booths - tradebooths, parish groups' booths
Ox Sponsorships - opportunities for sponsoring various Fair aspects
Ox Info. - trivia, FAQs, publicity
Ox History - looking back 1964 to date
Ox Winners - winners, appreciation, good stewards