Annual Ox Roast Successful for Fire Company

The annual Ox Roast was held on Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9, at Morrisons Cove Memorial Park. Even though the dates were moved this year, the ox roast proved to be very successful. Selling out on Friday and cooking 950 pounds of meat was a good indication. On Saturday, an additional 150 pounds of meat had to be purchased and everything sold out again. A total of 5,000 sandwiches were sold. The meat came from two local shops: Rhodes Meat Market in Martinsburg and Frederick's Meat in Roaring Spring.

The cost of food was higher than previous years, but the firemen had great community support, and this was not a problem. This group has been making ox roast for over 125 years. It takes 30-plus firemen and volunteers to do this event.

Other food items and a variety of drinks were also for sale.

President Jeff Hite and Treasurer Herb Whitfield appreciated all the Community support.

"If not for this community, we would not have this great fire company," Hite said. "New members are always needed, and a 14-year-old can join as a junior fire fighter. Call the firehall for more information at (814) 793-3442."

The date change caused a scheduling conflict with bands on Friday night. The Pines filled in. This group is a local band of Central High School students. The SharpTones played on Saturday evening.

A raffle was also available Raffle chairs were Tara Hoover and Ashley Russell. Raffle planning started in April with a committee sending out letters and Facebook messages to businesses for items. There were 46 small baskets and 19 large ones.

This is a nonprofit, so donations could be used for tax purposes. To donate to this event for next year, call Ashley at (814) 889-9283.

According to Hite, the basket raffle is one of the highest moneymakers for the fire company.

There will be a barbecue chicken dinner in the fall as a fundraiser and a Dutch meal, which is always a sellout.