Ox Roast set for Labor Day weekend

The Ox Roast pit, 120 feet long and 4 feet deep, is dug then filled with wood each year on Sunday morning for the pit lighting. Despite a rain shower right before the lighting, the fire was lit only a few minutes late to begin the process of making a bed of coals to roast 3,000 pounds of beef to make the Ox Roast sandwiches on Monday.
The festival’s oldest and most popular eating contest is the watermelon eating contest. Here, contestants in the eight and younger group wait for the signal to begin. Kendrick Pepper was declared the winner in this age bracket.

The annual West Jefferson Ox Roast returns Labor Day weekend with three days of community traditions, food, and family fun. Hosted by the West Jefferson Community Association, the celebration kicks off Aug. 30, and runs through Sept. 1 at Garrette Park.

Highlights include:

Parade – Aug. 30, at noon. Line-up begins at 11 a.m. This year’s theme is “Small Town USA, West Jefferson PRIDE.” Parade winners will be announced at the Ox Box on the festival grounds.

Queens Competition – Aug. 30, at 5 p.m. Contestants will compete for the annual title at Garrette Park.

Running of the Ox – Sept. 1, at 8 a.m. Runners and walkers can participate in 5K, 2-mile, and 1-mile events starting and finishing at West Jefferson High School. Registration opens at 7 a.m.

Ox Roast Sandwiches – Sept. 1, starting at 11:30 a.m. Sandwiches, priced at $10, will be sold at the Ox Box, with drive-thru service opening at noon.

The ox will be roasted overnight on Sunday, a long-standing tradition of the festival. In addition to these events, the Ox Roast features vendors, food stands, and activities throughout the weekend.

For more information, including race registration and volunteer opportunities, visit wjca.org.

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