August 16 4:00 am - August 18 4:00 pm
Cost:
Free
Unnamed Venue
100 S Main St , DeWitt, MI 48820 United States

Additional Information

The DeWitt Memorial Association, a non-profit organization, is the host of DeWitt’s Annual Ox Roast. The DMA was originally formed in 1946 to act as the governing body to preserve and maintain the DeWitt Memorial Building, a community center for the benefit of all those living and working in the area. Upon the Memorial Building‘s completion, it was dedicated to all veterans who served in all wars and to serve as a meeting place for a number of community organizations. It remains the only rental space in downtown DeWitt available for weddings, graduations, holiday parties and business meetings at a very affordable price. The DMA volunteers spend countless hours throughout the year to make sure the building remains a viable option for the community’s use. The main funding source for the preservation and maintenance of the building is derived from the Annual Ox, therefore, hosting a terrific event is a priority.

In an attempt to improve both the building and the Ox Roast, the DMA is pleased to announce the formation of a new Board of Directors who have crafted a new vision for the Association and its signature event the Annual Ox Roast (the longest standing event of its kind in Michigan). The Board, with the help of community volunteers, have been working diligently to create an atmosphere which will entice people of all ages to participate in this year’s event! The 2019 ox Roast will host a new carnival vendor along with a number of new attractions such as a combined Food and Beverage Plaza; upgraded Arts & Crafts Bazaar; Kayak Race; Cornhole Tournament, Scavenger Hunt, Pet Beauty Contest, Duck Race, Fireworks and much more! If you would like to participate as a vendor and/ or volunteer for this event please visit the DMA website at www.dewittmimemorial.org.

Carnival

We are excited to announce Maple Leaf Amusements will be the 2019 carnival vendor. Maple Leaf is a Michigan company, offering a wide variety of rides and games. The carnival will be located in the 100 blocks of north and south Bridge Street in addition to the 100 block of West Main Street expanding the Midway considerably. This expanded Midway will allow Maple Leaf to provide a greater variety of rides, both in number and size. Check them out onlinehttp://www.mapleleafamusements.com/- we think you will be as excited as we are!

Arts & Crafts

A new Arts & Crafts venue is being designed to entice a larger variety of crafters to our community. The 2019 Arts & Crafts Bazaar will focus on vendors who are true artists and/or crafters. In response to the requests of many of our residents and Ox Roast attendees, no resale, garage sale, or used items will be allowed.

Food and Beverage

In order to provide a better, more inclusive atmosphere, the previous “Food” and “Beer” tents will be replaced by a new Food and Beverage Plaza which will consist of food trucks, food vendors, and a variety of craft beer and wine options.

Main Stage Entertainment

The Main Stage is being moved within the new Food and Beverage Plaza, allowing festival attendees to enjoy great entertainment while savoring the new food and beverage options. Daily entertainment will include the return of the DeWitt Idol contest, a magic show and various festival events capped off by great musical acts Friday and Saturday evenings.

Kayak Racing

Are you ready for a challenge? This year’s festival will include a Kayak Race with a slight twist– participants will paddle both down and up stream! The race will be gin at Riverside Park, Downtown DeWitt, paddle to the Schavey Road Bridge and back to the park. Participants will be responsible for their own equipment including lifejackets. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Cornhole Tournament

Grab a friend and come throw some bags at the new Ox Roast Cornhole Tournament. Two-person teams will compete in a double elimination tournament. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams.

Pet Beauty Contest

Who doesn’t feel their pet is #1? This is your chance to prove it! Cat, dog, bunny or whomever you want to enter. Winners will be selected in numerous categories. Just be sure your pet is on a leash- we don’t want any lost loved ones.

50/50 Raffle and Duck Race Are you feeling lucky? A 50/50 Raffle will take place on Saturday with multiple drawings throughout the day! Saturday is also the day for the Duck Race on the Looking Glass River at Riverside Park. Ducks will be dumped in the river at 8 pm. Ducks can be purchased at the event.

Car Show

This year’s Car Show will again cruise into Riverside Park and will feature competition open stock, modified, trucks, specialty and classic cars. There will be onsite food concessions, door prizes, trophies and music.

Parade

The Grand Parade continues to be a crowd favorite enjoyed by thousands. Decorate your bike, tractor, or whatever works for you and join the fun. Or bring a chair and watch while cheering on your friends and neighbors.

Watermelon & Ice Cream Eating Contests

It would not be a festival without eating contests. This year the festival will host Watermelon and Ice Cream Contests for the hungry and brave.

Tractor “Pedal-Pull”

Offering youth a chance to pedal for prizes, the Tractor Pull is moving to Franklin Street so families will have the opportunity to participate in the numerous activities taking place downtown.

Fireworks

Fireworks will light up the sky at 10 pm, Saturday. Come early, enjoy the food, your favorite beverage and the music on the main stage. Then stroll down to the park, watch the Duck Race at 8 and grab a seat for the Fireworks!

Bingo

Bingo and Much More Information on Bingo and other exciting festival additions will be added to the DMA website– www.dewittmimemorial.org– as they become available.

2019 Tentative Schedule of Events

Friday, August 16

4:00 pm 11:00 pm Carnival 4:00 pm 8:00 pm Arts & Crafts Bazaar 4:00 pm 11:00 pm Food and Beverage Plaza 4:00 pm 8:00 pm Information/Registration Tent 5:00 pm Watermelon Eating Contest 5:00 pm 8:00 pm Inflatable Obstacle Course Fun 5:00 pm 9:00 pm Bingo (Memorial Building) 7:00 pm 11:00 pm Brenda Loomis Country Western Band (Main Stage)

Saturday, August 17

10:00 am 11:30am Parade 10:00 am 8:00 pm Arts & Crafts Bazaar 11:00 am 7:00 pm Information/Registration Tent 11:00 am 11:00 pm Carnival 11:00 am 11:00 pm Food and Beverage Plaza 12:00 pm 4:00 pm Car Show– Riverside Park 11:00 pm 9:00 pm Bingo (Memorial Building) 12:00 pm Frog Jumping Contest (in the park) 12:00 pm 3:00 pm Northpointe Community Church Band 2:00 pm Youth Scavenger Hunt 2:00 pm Corn Hole Tournament 2:00 pm First 50/50 Raffle Drawing 4:00 pm 7:00 pm DeWitt Idol Contest 7:00 pm Adult Scavenger Hunt 7:00 pm 11:00 pm Exit 86 Classic Rock & Roll Band 8:00 pm Duck Race Riverside Park 10:00 pm Fireworks

Sunday, August 18

10:00 am 4:00 pm Carnival 10:00 am 4:00 pm Arts & Crafts Bazaar 12:00 pm 4:00 pm Food Court and Beverage Plaza 10:00 am 1:00 pm Information/Registration Tent 12:00 pm 3:00 pm Vintage Sounds (Main Stage) 12:00 pm 3:00 pm Caricature Artist 12:00 pm Kayak Race—Riverside Park 1:00 pm Pet Parade & Beautify Contest 1:00 pm Tractor Pull 2 :00 pm Ice Cream Eating Contest CHECK THE DMA WEBSITE FOR CURRENT EVENT INFORMATION