A classic community tradition since 1963
Each summer in mid-July, the Randolph County Park and Recreation Board hosts an Ox Roast at Camp Pioneer. The event originated in 1963 and was held in conjunction with the West Virginia Centennial celebrations. For many years meat was prepared in a hand dug pit. In 1987, a permanent roasting pit was constructed with collaboration from project leader Jim Roth, a concrete crew provided by Frank Santmyer and volunteers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program. The annual Ox Roast has become a classic tradition at Camp Pioneer and is one of the largest fundraisers of the year. Revenue from the Ox Roast is used for capital improvements. During the event, 4-H projects are displayed in the Hammer Assembly Hall to showcase the hard work of our county 4-H youth.
Today, as it was back in 1963, the fire is built the evening before the event and monitored through the night by a dedicated crew of volunteers. Hardwood coals are cultivated until a bed two feet deep is prepared. A thin layer of sand is used to cover the coals and distribute the heat. The pit is covered and sealed with sawdust and left to cook for the next 12-15 hours. Choice beef rounds are seasoned with special spices, wrapped in foil and muslin and then placed in the pit. Volunteers monitor the temperature throughout the night. The following afternoon, the meat is removed from the pit and sliced just in time for serving at the feast!
If you would like to volunteer for this event, please contact us.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at many local businesses or at the Randolph County Extension Office.
Tickets may also be purchased on-site the day of the event. Dine-in and drive-through meals are available.