Annual competition brings folks from throughout to get pleasure from dinner and enjoyable

ROWLESBURG — For 61 years, Rowlesburg Park has been the place to be on Labor Day.

“That is Rowlesburg’s modern-day declare to fame and guests come from all corners of the USA to partake in a gastronomic deal with discovered solely within the Cheat River Valley. The park crew lights the barbecue pit fireplace on Sunday evening in order that the ox roasts slowly to a moist, melt-in-your mouth tenderness. The hearth is tended all evening to ensure your portion is of the top quality you anticipate. (I’ve heard rumors that the meat is absolutely roast beef, not ox), ” based on an previous submit on the Rowlesburg Group Park web site.

This yr’s posters touted inflatables, distributors, stay music all day, Rowlesburg’s well-known pit-roast beef, and far, way more.

Vickie Jackson and Helen Edmunds have been among the many distributors. They have been exhibiting off their quilts. They donate the entire materials and their time to creating and promoting quilts.

“The cash from the gross sales goes to maintain the previous Rowlesburg faculty open,” Jackson mentioned.

She mentioned the 2 sew their quilts year-round and promote them through the festivals and on the RRC Quilts Fb web page.

C&R Woodworking additionally had a tent arrange Monday. Curtis and Roxanna Stiles had handmade woodworked merchandise. Gadgets on show included slicing boards, Christmas ornaments, wine caddies, magnets, costers and laser-engraved indicators.

Stiles mentioned he and Roxanna additionally promote their inventory on their C&R woodworking Fb web page and in native outlets.

Monica Turner, from Newburg, and Dana Jackson, of Kingwood, arrange a show of Watchtower materials for individuals who wished extra details about their church’s teachings.

“We thought it could be day to be out, and thought a few of the folks going to the ox roast could be ,” Turner mentioned.

Harold Watkins, from Newburg, mentioned the meals was good final yr so he got here again once more Monday.

“Final yr was the primary time I had been right here in a very long time, so I believed I’d come again once more this yr,” he mentioned.

George Avenue mentioned he was there to assist with the french fries and sandwiches. He mentioned festivals just like the ox roast carry folks into the city and helps the neighborhood.

“Having these festivals is one thing small cities should do or surrender,” he mentioned.

Carolyn and Curtis Tayllor mentioned they go to the ox roast yearly as a result of they just like the meals.

“I lived right here all my life,” Delbert Shaffer mentioned. “I labored right here and took care of the meat for 4 or 5 years. I graduated from the Rowlesburg Excessive College 60 years in the past. I attempt to come yearly.”

Janice Reed mentioned she has been coming to the ox roast for about 30 years. She mentioned she involves help the neighborhood and since she enjoys the meals.

“We’ve been married 19 years,” her husband David mentioned. “So I’ve been coming right here for 19 years.”