Fish Fry, Ox Roast tonight

CRESTON -- Community members will converge on the village for the Creston Community Service Club's 2014 Fish Fry and Ox Roast, which begins tonight.

"People come for the food and stay for the entertainment ... and socialization," club President Steve Numbers said.

Whether they are eating or socializing, Numbers said the event is one of the only times everyone in the community comes together to do one thing. One of the main events he said is honoring those in the community who serve with the club's Citizen of the Year award.

This year's nominees are John Steiner, Jason Metsker, Roger Riffle and Dave Hartzler.

Numbers said each individual does an immense amount of work for the community without recognition.

In a release, the club stated Steiner has been integral in making Creston "an excellent place to live."

Through his 12-year career as a Norwayne District board member and a scholarship he and his wife, Patty, offer for seniors involved in the school's drama program, the release states the owner of Steinhurst Dairy Farm has become an asset in the community.

"He believes 'teamwork for the success of our children is the end goal,'" the press release states.

Metsker has been heavily involved in baseball and has served as the Norwayne Youth Baseball commissioner for the past three years. He oversees 200 youth and 18 teams throughout Creston, Burbank and Sterling.

"Metsker can often be seen in the early hours of the day, preparing baseball fields before he goes to work at Westfield Insurance," the release states.

Riffle is integral in making the Fish Fry and Ox Roast a success, according to the release.

"He works for the Village of Creston in maintenance, preparing the grounds and the two huge cookers," the release states, describing how he helps cut the meat at the roast. "He is one of the last to leave on Saturday, then again on Sunday when the clean-up is finished."

Hartzler serves the community in a similar way as he has always helped with the Fish Fry and Ox Roast and worked for the village maintenance department for 10 years.

"He has helped cut the meat and is one of the last to leave on Saturday, coming back on Sunday to finish," the release states. "He helps throughout the day getting anything needed at the Ox Roast and fixing any problems that arise."

The Citizen of the Year ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. today on the stage in Creston Community Park.

The fish fry begins at 5 p.m., as do children's games, inflatables and music.

The parade will be held Saturday at 1:15 p.m. beginning at the Creston Livestock Sales. Throughout the day, there will be a zip line, food, music games and a chance to meet the 2014 Norwayne football team and cheerleaders.

Reporter Thomas Doohan can be reached at 330-287-1635 or [email protected].