Submitted photo 4-H Teen Leaders help package cookies for the annual 4-H Camp Pioneer Ox Roast, set for Thursday.

BEVERLY — 4-H Camp Pioneer’s annual Ox Roast returns Thursday for its 62nd year.

The Ox Roast will be offered from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Camp Pioneer in Beverly. This year’s meal will include two deep pit-roasted beef sandwiches, baked beans, coleslaw and dessert.

“We’re very hopeful, once again, for a great turnout,” Ox Roast volunteer Melissa Walters told The Inter-Mountain in a statement. “Weather plays a big part in the success of our event, but even if it rains, people can utilize our drive-thru option.”

Attendees have the option to pick up their meals or dine-in at the camp’s main building. Customers who choose to ‘drive-thru’ are being asked to follow signage at the lower part of the camp on the paved loop to the Ag Building.

Attendees can also enjoy displays of this year’s completed 4-H projects by Randolph County 4-H members. Funds from this year’s Ox Roast will aid in continuing improvements for 4-H Camp Pioneer.

Tickets may be purchased at the gate or at the WVU Extension Office, the Randolph County Senior Center, Southern States in Elkins, the Beverly Heritage Center and Liggett’s Supply in Mill Creek.

The first Ox Roast took place in 1963, along with centennial celebrations of West Virginia’s birth as a state.

The Ox Roast served as a vital fundraiser for 4-H Camp Pioneer since the beginning. In 1963 proceeds are reported to have aided the construction of the dining hall and kitchen attached to the Hammer Assembly Hall.

Historical pageants also once took place on-site alongside the Ox Roast. The 1963 pageant was a production titled “Because Someone Cared,” produced and written by Mrs. Robert (Rose) Hammer, a 4-H club leader. The pageant featured a cast of 150 4-H members, elaborate costuming and music performed by Jack Basil and high school band members.

“It was so interesting to see how many kids were involved in 4-H in the 60s,” Dawn Swecker, treasurer of the Randolph County Parks & Recreation Board, told The Inter-Mountain in a previous statement. “And we’re starting to see that again.”

For more information about the 62nd annual Ox Roast, call the WVU Extension Office at 304-636-2455.