Mesopotamia
I spent today in a small town that’s dear to my heart: Mesopotamia, Ohio, home of the famous Ox Roast. Mespo, as it’s affectionately called, is a small town in Northeast Ohio. nestled in a bucolic setting. Approximately 3000 people live in the township, many of them Amish. The center of the town has a green at the intersections of State Routes 87 and 534, known as the “Commons.” Twenty-eight buildings surround the square–21 of which were built before the civil war. The cemetery dates from 1818; several generations of my family are buried there.
The Ox Roast
This year is the 45th annual Ox Roast. It always takes place either over Independence Day or the following weekend. The three-day event helps support the township’s fire department. The Fireman’s Association sells over 5000 of their famous roast beef sandwiches each year. Visitors watch as each round of meat cooks eight hours on the constantly rotating spits over the hot coals. For more information on the Ox Roast, visit www.mespofire.com.
The Ox Roast takes place July 6-8 this year. Over 160 dealers exhibit their wares at the flea market style booths full of crafts, antiques, and other unique finds. Several of the neighboring homes also host sales–that’s where I’ll be this year, across the street helping man an estate sale of a beloved family friend, Pat Thomas, who passed away last January.
Pat loved the Ox Roast. She spent all weekend out in her yard, visiting with everyone who came. I really think it was her favorite part of the year.
This weekend, I encourage any of you who live nearby to take a drive to the country, visit the heart of rural Mesopotamia, and support the local fire department by buying a sandwich or two. It would make Pat proud.
Also, if you need any antiques or household goods, stop by Pat’s house on the northwest side of the commons and say hello.
Know before you go:
*Admission is free.
*Most vendors only take cash.
* An ATM is available at the End of the Commons Store.
*Free parking is available at the Mesopotamia Fire Department.
*Hours are 10-8 Friday and Saturday, 10-4 Sunday.
In memory of Patricia A. Thomas,
February 5, 1938-January 24, 2018.
We Miss You.
To learn more about our family, click here.
What a cool festival I have never been to a Ox Roast before, a Pig Pickin’, yes but not a ox roasting. I love to hear all about the local celebrations and traditions in different regions, they are so much fun!
What a fun event that supports a worthy cause!! Your family goes on so many great adventures. I am also sorry for your loss.