MANTUA, OH – The Saint Joseph Ox Roast Fair has been a summer staple for Mantua families since 1964.
The Ox Roast Fair is the second largest fair in Portage County and features games and its famous ox roast dinner. Dennis Biviano spoke to some long-time parish volunteers about their week of preparation and previews this weekend’s annual fair.
“It’s really the camaraderie of a parish that makes this happen. It’s a great fundraiser for Saint Joe’s,” says volunteer Ron Kotkowski.
Ron Kotkowski, his son, daughter and grandson represent three of his family’s five generations of volunteers over the past century at The Saint Joseph Ox Roast Fair in Mantua.
Over the past 30 years, he’s had the honor of preparing the beef for the annual three day fair, one that brings in tens of thousands of people. And thousands of pounds of sirloin roast beef is prepared in brick-lined pits, underground. 25-hundred pounds cooked in four hours and that’s just in one day.
“You have to know how long to fire, how much wood to put in. You know, you burn all your wood, you rake the coals out, cover it with sand and a screen and then all the meat is wrapped in muslin and netting,” says Kotkowski.
And the beef is offered as a sandwich, dinner or sundae with mashed potatoes–a favorite of loyal patrons.
“Real mashed potatoes, the meat and gravy, and then they put sour cream and a cherry tomato on top. You’d think, OX sundae, that doesn’t sound good. You eat it, you’re hooked,” says Kotkowski.
The Ox Roast Fair started in 1964, and currently it supports sacramental and educational ministries of Saint Joseph Parish. Each year hundreds of parishioners and friends volunteer, including Debra Blake and Jan Seljan.
“When I came to Saint Joseph’s here 40 years ago, my heart found a home. And I’ve been here doing the beef ever since. And the community is enjoying us and we are finally able to evangelize the way we know our Lord wants us to,” says Seljan.
The fair opens Friday with a blessing and procession that is followed in the Church by Adoration. And each Saturday night mass in the Church for all workers.
Kathi Trares has experienced the camaraderie and tradition in her decades of service as the Parish Secretary.
“It’s just amazing how many volunteers come out. And people that were parishioners long ago still come back, bring their families–work the fair year after year,” says Trares.
In fact there are more than 30,000 people that visit the fair each year.
Ron Kotkowski says, while Saint Joseph Parish always looks for a new generation of volunteers, he is relishing these moments and proud to share the time and hard work with loved ones.
“Your church is your family. It’s extended family. Every Sunday you see all your buddies and you catch up on what’s going on and the fair is an extension of that. It’s a wonderful event,” says Kotkowski.
The 61st annual Saint Joseph’s OX Roast Fair in Mantua runs from Friday through Sunday. Click on the QR code for more.
