The 59th Shiloh Firemen’s Ox Roast takes place on July 25 and 26, but the popular roast beef sandwich often sells out before the festival ends.
As one approaches the fire station beside the railroad tracks in the village’s center, the delicious aroma of roast beef wafts over the crowd.
Doc Stumbo and Tom Brennan, longtime Richland County residents, have been attending the festival for 15 years.
“Me and Nellie (his late wife) came to the festival for about 25 years,” Stumbo told me.
At festival time, Stumbo, 87, picks up Brennan on nearby Ganges Five Points Road and drives him to Shiloh, where they eat two sandwiches and corn on the cob while chatting with old friends.
“This (sandwich) is even better than it’s ever been,” Stumbo exclaimed as a light breeze blew beneath the covered dining area.
Fortunately, the two-day event includes tractor pulls, fireworks, live music, and a great parade down the village’s main corridor.
Jon and Jill VanHarlingen from Mansfield come every year.
“They’re great,” said Jon, who had three sandwiches.
His wife Jill was eating the beef without a bun and enjoying every bite. Helen Eckenrode from Shelby and her neighbor, Bobbie Sherman, came for the food.
Sherman exclaimed, “The roast beef is delicious,” as Eckenrode considered how to describe the warm, juicy sandwich wrapped in silver foil.
Kathy Haubiel of Mansfield was working alongside others at the Shiloh American Legion raffle tent, where a table was filled with baskets of goodies and more along the main thoroughfare.
She stated that she always enjoys the festival, which attracts so many people to town.
Chief Jeff Burrer of the Shiloh-Cass-Bloominggrove Fire Department was busy assisting his firefighters and volunteers in serving customers. His wife Laura served pie, and local firefighters and volunteers kept the line moving.
Shelby Fire Chief Mike Thompson was washing dishes at the bulk sales fire station on Delaware Street, where meat was selling fast. A Styrofoam container costs $50 and contains enough beef for ten sandwiches, as well as a 12-pack bag of sandwich buns, which is ideal for taking home.
“If you’re going to get any meat, you better come early,” Thompson warned in the crowded, makeshift kitchen.
Thursday night, firefighters and volunteers loaded 10,000 pounds of beef into the pit, or “oven,” on Ohio 603. After 12 hours of cooking over coals, it was ready to be served on sandwiches.
Sandwiches cost $5, and bulk meat, baked beans, and potato salad will be available at the fire station on Delaware Street.
Food is available Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All sales are cash or check.
Corn on the cob, French fries, and freshly squeezed lemonade are among the carnival rides and food stands located along the railroad tracks.
The parade is scheduled for 7 p.m. on July 26 along Ohio 603. According to Burrer, all proceeds will go toward the Firemen’s Association’s purchase of a new engine in four years as well as turnout gear.
After the last sandwich is sold on Saturday, the firefighters who are cooking and working so hard to make the event a success will need a break.
