4-H Ox Roast to return Thursday
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BEVERLY -- The Camp Pioneer Ox Roast returns for its 63rd year Thursday, along with an exhibition of local 4-H projects.
The 63rd Annual Camp Pioneer Ox Roast will take place on Thursday, July 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Held in conjunction with the Beverly Fireman's Festival each year, the Ox Roast is a community-wide effort that “brings together nearly 100 volunteers and serves as an annual homecoming for generations of 4-H families, alumni, supporters and friends,” the WVU Randolph County Extension office said in a press release.
Community members are encouraged to “attend, enjoy a delicious meal and join in a tradition that showcases the spirit of volunteerism and community support that has been at the heart of Camp Pioneer for 63 years.”
The Ox Roast meal will include two pit-roasted beef sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans, dessert and a drink. Visitors choosing to dine-in or get their to-go meals inside will have the opportunity to view 4-H project exhibits. For those who prefer to stay in their vehicle, another dedicated crew assembles and distributes meals through the drive-thru at the Agriculture Building. Drinks are not included with drive-thru meals.
Tickets for this year's Ox Roast meal can be purchased in advance at Liggett's Supply, Beverly Heritage Center, Elkins Senior Center, Southern States or the WVU Randolph County Extension office. Tickets may also be purchased on-site while supplies last. Proceeds from the Ox Roast support Camp Pioneer and help continue providing quality educational and recreational experiences for youth.
"The Ox Roast truly takes a community effort,” Longtime Camp Pioneer volunteer Dawn Swecker said in the release. “From tending the fire and roasting the beef to preparing side dishes, and serving meals, volunteers make every part of this event possible. I hope you will join us."
Preparing the famous beef sandwiches requires days of work and a dedicated team of volunteers. Activities will begin on Wednesday, when crews will start preparing the beef for its overnight roasting process. Another team will build and maintain the fire that heats the underground roasting pit, a tradition that has helped make the Ox Roast a local favorite for more than six decades.
Volunteers in the kitchen begin preparing the meal's side dishes while additional volunteers organize dining areas, coordinate logistics and prepare for the nearly 2,000 sandwiches that will be served during the event.
One of the highlights of this event each year is the 4-H projects and exhibits in the Hammer Assembly Hall, “which showcase the talents, creativity, and accomplishments of county 4-H members,” the release states. From crafts and photography to STEM, agriculture, woodworking, leadership and environments, the displays “demonstrate the dedication and accomplishments of young people from across the area.”
"The Ox Roast provides a wonderful opportunity for the community to not only enjoy a great meal, but also to see firsthand the hard work and achievements of our 4-H members," WVU Extension Agent Hannah Fincham said in the release. "We encourage everyone to take a few moments to walk through the exhibits and celebrate the efforts of these young people."
For more information on 4-H, exhibits or the Ox Roast, call WVU Randolph County Extension at 304-636-2455.