Ox Roast returns to Zelienople for 50th anniversary year
Harmony Lodge 429 Masons in Zelienople will hold its 50th annual Ox Roast on Aug. 27, from noon to 5 p.m. at 330 East Beaver St.
The meals can be ordered in person or in advance online at a cost $15 per person. The meal consists of roast beef, a baked potato, corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, a roll, a chocolate dessert and a drink.
“We have prepared for 500 meals,” said chairperson Jeff Kroner. “(Ordering in advance) is preferred, but it’s not required. We ordered plenty of meals.”
Since last year’s iteration, the Ox Roast has taken on a new takeout format as “Ox in a Box” to better accommodate COVID-19 precautions and availability of volunteers.
“There were a lot of people that really enjoyed the fact that they can pick it up, take it home and eat,” Kroner said. “There was a lot of community enjoyment of just sitting together and eating a meal at the pavilion, but there were a lot of variables, like bees, rain, extreme heat, bathrooms and difficulty of parking. It did make it difficult, especially for people who were older or had difficulty walking.”
This year’s Ox Roast is the 50th anniversary of the first event in 1972.
“It’s been something that’s been going on in the community, and it’s really looked forward to, I think,” Kroner said.
Ingredients in the meal are sourced from local farms, and the proceeds benefit the lodge.
“Between the upkeep of the building, and depending upon the financial situation of the lodge, if we have above and beyond, we’re able to do things with the various local organizations that we can provide charitable donations to,” Kroner said. “It's always the hope that we have a big enough fundraiser and everything goes well that we can take part in that. The primary goal is to support the lodge.”
