St. Joseph's Ox Roast Fair

06/13/2026

OX ROAST ENTERTAINMENT IS SET!
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Don't miss the great music and entertainment at the 62nd Ox Roast Fair, July 17-19. We've got a great line up that includes: Disco Inferno, Bad Seed, My Drunkin' Uncle, Johnny Elvis and the Crown Electrics, Midnight Riders Band, Alex Bevan, Steve Vanderink, Karaoke, Jungle Bob's Educational Zoo, Swifty the Clown (Ohio's Premiere Balloon Entertainer), and 8th Count Dance.
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Check it out at https://stjosephmantua.com/ox-music

06/12/2026

RUN OF THE OX REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
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Be a part of the 11th 5K Run/Walk or 1M Fun Walk at St. Joseph's Ox Roast Fair!!! Race will take place on Saturday morning of the fair rain or shine. Registration is at 7 a.m. in front of the church and the race begins at 8 a.m. Out and back course begins at St. Joe's, heads down St. Joseph Blvd. to Pioneer Trail, onto Bowen Rd. to St. Rt. 82 and back to the church (Fun Walk takes place on church grounds). Spectators are welcome. No parking fee is charged during the Run of the Ox (midway doesn't open until 1 p.m.).
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Awards will be given to the top three overall and the top three in the following age groups: 11 and under, 12-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over.
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Features include water stops, timers, t-shirts (first 150 registrations), and refreshments. Pre-registration fee is $25.00 by July 16, 2026. Race day registration is $30.00. Registration forms are available in the church Narthex, by clicking here to download the pdf form, or by visiting the sign up website of race coordinator, Run the Land. When submitting a paper form, mail to Run the Land, 18780 Rivercliff Dr., Fairview Park, OH 44126 (please do not mail to St. Joseph Church).
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06/12/2026

HAVE YOU HEARD?
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The 62nd Ox Roast Fair, July 17-19, at St. Joseph Church in Mantua, Ohio, will feature a new ride and amusement company! Bigtop's Magic Midways Rides will be providing the rides and inflatables for some great fun for all ages. We can't wait to see them arrive!
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https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550989125187
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06/11/2026

FLASHBACK THURSDAY!

St. Joseph's First Ox Roast Fair, July 31-August 2, 1964

The first Ox Roast Fair was started and organized by Fr. John Wirtz (Associate Pastor under Fr. Hughes) to help pay for the new school. The first Mantua Ox Roast Fair saw tents being borrowed from St. Mary's in Newton Falls. Booths were arranged in a semi-circle in "wagon wheel fashion" to form a circle that allowed dances to be held in middle (ticket needed to enter dance area) and flat bed semi trailer, expertly maneuvered into position near school building, was used for a stage. There was a ping pong ball drop for kids held with one main prize and hundreds of ball point pens given out. Of course, the first event included the Ox Roast Dinner in the hall and lawn mowers, tractors, etc. also on display outside on grounds. A Trade Show was held inside two classrooms. The Trade Show Committee consisted of Ross Mudler, Chairman, and J.T. Mudler, R. Davis, and Dr. A.B. Muni, Associate Chairmen. Area mayors were on the Honorary Trade Show Committee including Robert Thomas (Mantua), Edward Erickson (Akron), Stanley A. Cmich (Canton), Dale Dreisbach (Hiram), Frank S. Lange (Kent), Tom H. Ritenour (Ravenna), and Bill Barker (Windham). Free promotions provided courtesy of Akron radio station WHLO (who's DJ Bob Ancell and other DJ's also helped with music for roller skating in the Hall) in exchange for deal in Cleveland beauty contest, with half dozen Mantua girls involved, held at racetrack (Miss Ohio was there). Marketing person from Terminal Tower Office offered advertising in 100+ small newspapers throughout northern Ohio free of charge. An Antique Car Show, a skydiving team from Middlefield jumped trying to hit large target on grounds north of the church, Tractor Pull, Carnival Rides, and Pony & Cart Raffle were all part of the fun enjoyed by an estimated 22,000 people. Even though there was rain and threatening weather on the final day and there were worries about breaking even, it was deemed a success.

Learn about Ox Roast Fair history from the first in 1964 to date.

06/11/2026

Lots of businesses have already committed to being a part of the 62nd Ox Roast Fair, July 17-19, 2026! Don't miss out - reserve your spot today. No booths are rented after June 30th. Look for details at https://stjosephmantua.com/ox-booths

Berry's Treasures, LLC
Akron Henna Art
Inkas Crafts
Rust Belt Diesel Co.
Window Depot/Home Team Home Improvement
Ohio State Waterproofing
Marshall Power Equipment
Cutco Cutlery
Soldier Solutions, LLC
Cowboy's Choice
Wow Those Are Cool
Makin Faces LLC
Portage County Republican Party/GOP
Universal Windows Direct
Renewal By Anderson
Buns Trade, LLC
Christian Santillan (apparel, etc.)
Patio Enclosures (Great Day)
Joyce Factory Direct
Bath Experts
Van Boxel Kitchen and Flooring

05/29/2026

Tickets for our 2025 Main Raffle are selling well! Don't miss your chance for some great prizes. Main Drawing held Sunday, July 19th, 2026 at 9:30 p.m. (winners need not be present)
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05/28/2026

"Run of the Ox" 5K Run/WALK & 1M Fun Walk
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Be a part of the 11th “Run of the Ox” 5K Run/Walk or 1M Fun Walk at St. Joseph's 11th Annual Ox Roast Fair!!! Race will take place on Saturday morning of the fair rain or shine. Registration is at 7 a.m. in front of the church and the race begins at 8 a.m. Out and back course begins at St. Joe's, heads down St. Joseph Blvd. to Pioneer Trail, onto Bowen Rd. to St. Rt. 82 and back to the church (Fun Walk takes place on church grounds). Spectators are welcome. Awards will be given to the top three overall and the top three in designated age groups. Features include water
stops, timers, t-shirts (first 150 registrations), and refreshments.
Pre-registration fee is $25.00 by July 16. Race day registration is $30.00. Registration forms are available in the church Narthex, by going to https://stjosephmantua.com/ox-fun-rides-games-events-music to download the pdf, or by visiting Run the Land (https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Mantua/RunoftheOx).

05/16/2026

Have you seen the fabulous first prize for this year's Ox Roast Fair Main Raffle? You'll see it parked out front of the church when you come to Mass on Sunday. Be sure to get your tickets for a chance at winning the golf cart, cash, or gift card basket.
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62nd OX ROAST FAIR ~ July 17th, 18th & 19th, 2026
https://stjosephmantua.com/ox-roast-fair

05/09/2026

A nice crowd turned out for our Ox Roast Fair Social Event celebrating our wonderful volunteers! Taco and nachos bar, beverages, and cookies. What's not to love?!

04/29/2026

"RUN OF THE OX" 5K RUN/WALK & 1M FUN WALK

Be a part of the 11th “Run of the Ox” 5K Run/Walk or 1M Fun Walk at St. Joseph's 11th Annual Ox Roast Fair!!! Race will take place on Saturday morning of the fair rain or shine. Registration is at 7 a.m. in front of the church and the race begins at 8 a.m. Out and back course begins at St. Joe's, heads down St. Joseph Blvd. to Pioneer Trail, onto Bowen Rd. to St. Rt. 82 and back to the church (Fun Walk takes place on church grounds). Spectators are welcome. Awards will be given to the top three overall and the top three in designated age groups. Features include water stops, timers, t-shirts (first 150 registrations), and refreshments.
Pre-registration fee is $25.00 by July 16. Race day registration is $30.00. Registration forms are available in the church Narthex, by going to https://stjosephmantua.com/ox-fun-rides-games-events-music to download the pdf, or by visiting Run the Land (https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Mantua/RunoftheOx).