Ox Roast Fair
When: July 21-23 Where: St. Joseph Church in Mantua The Atmosphere: Expect a large crowd of nearly 30,000 at this event that showcases tractor pulls, frog jumps, casino games, fair rides, a Friday night fireworks show and lots of beef. Pro Tip: Don’t skip out on buying a ticket to this year’s $10 raffle where the grand prize is a Ford F-150. A second place $1,500 cash prize or a 48-inch flat-screen TV for third place aren’t too shabby either. Eat This: Organizers prepare 3,500 pounds of high-quality sirloin in brick-lined pits and place the meat on coals from fires that have been burning for days. “You may still see the pits smoldering as you enter the fairgrounds,” says parish secretary Kathi Trares. stjosephmantua.com
Egyptian Festival
When: Aug. 25-27 Where: St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Seven Hills The Atmosphere: Between 3,000 to 4,000 people attend this annual celebration of Egyptian culture and food, where outdoor tents billow with the smoke and aromas of freshly grilled meats. Pro Tip: Head to the church door daily to get a tour of this elaborately decorated interior filled with bold blues and shiny gold art. Eat This: While the masses line up to get a taste of shish kebab, we’re all about the bread. “We bring out a portable oven every year to make fresh pita bread outside,” says festival organizer Layla Rizk. 216-642-7692
Armenian Food Festival & Bazaar
When: Sept. 22-24 Where: St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church in Richmond Heights The Atmosphere: Be ready for music and dancing. And bring your best backgammon game — as one of the oldest board games in the world, it originated in the areas surrounding Armenia. Pro Tip: With upward of 2,500 people attending, look for overflow parking at the nearby bank and mall. Eat This: While the stuffed grape leaves might tempt you, give in to the grilled lamb and chicken. “We get a lot of people that come all three days,” says co-event chair Peter Zahirsky. “They love the food that much.” stgregoryofnarek.org/festival
