Thousands of cyclists will arrive in Lorain County this weekend for the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure. Join them in working toward setting a record for the worlds longest bike parade. There will be no shortage of activity this weekend around the route. Of special note to cyclists exploring Underground Railroad history is Oberlin’s Juneteenth Festival. This year’s event will mark the 150th anniversary of the Oberlin Wellington slave rescue.
In September of 1858, John Price, a fugitive slave living in Oberlin, was tricked by slave hunters and taken by force to the nearby town of Wellington to await a train that would transport him back to Kentucky and slavery. The news of his abduction spread rapidly, and local abolitionists sprung into action. Students from Oberlin College set out for Wellington on foot, only to be overtaken by black and white townspeople speeding past in carriages and on horseback. Vowing no slave would ever be taken from Oberlin, the mob surrounded the Wellington hotel where Price was being held by three slave catchers from Kentucky. The rescuers carried him out a window, shuttled him back to Oberlin and hid him in the basement of James Fairchild's house (Fairchild later became president of Oberlin College). Soon after, Price disappeared. It is assumed that he made it to Canada and freedom.
Oberlin-Wellington Fugitive Slave RescuersThirty-seven rescuers were later indicted for their roles in the Wellington-Oberlin Slave Rescue, but only 20 served time in jail while awaiting trial. Eventually all 20 were acquitted and were welcomed back to Oberlin with a parade and rallies.
Starting in Wellington and moving north, throughout the route, here are a few events this week
Wellington
Jun 13–14 Village Wide Sidewalk & Yard Sales, Wellington, 9am–5pm. 440.647.3987
www.mainstreetwellington.com
Jun 14-21 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure, Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington. A week-long bicycle adventure beginning and ending in Wellington. Participate in the world record attempt for largest bike parade on June 14, 4-6pm registration, 6pm parade. 614.273.0811 | www.goba.com
Jun 14 Youth Anglers Fishing Derby, Findley State Park, Wellington, Picnic Point Area, 10am-12pm. Prizes for ages 15 & under. Tips on bait, tackle, identification and fishing skills. 440.647.5749
www.findleystatepark.org
Oberlin
Concert, Warner Concert Hall, Oberlin College, 4pm. Featuring music inspired by the culture and poetry of Native Americans. 440.774.4079 www.ochoristers.org
Jun 13–Aug 8 Fridays, Summer Concert Series, Tappan Square, Oberlin, 7–9pm. 440.774.6262 www.oberlinchamber.org
Jun 13–14 Juneteenth Celebration, Tappan Square, Oberlin, Fri 11am–8:30pm, Sat 10am–6pm. Celebrate the date that the last slaves were freed and the 150th anniversary of the Oberlin-Wellington Slave Rescue. 440.935.0201
www.juneteenthoberlin.com
Jun 14–Aug16 Saturdays at the Schoolhouse, Oberlin Heritage Center, 12–2pm. Little Red Schoolhouse, experience historic school lessons, and play old-fashioned games. 440.774.1700 www.oberlinheritage.org
Jun 13 Summer Kick-Off Hog Roast, Matus Winery, Wakeman, 12–8pm. Wine and dinner by the famous Chubby’s BBQ from Put-in-Bay. 440.774.WINE
www.matuswinery.us
Vermilion
Jun 13–15 Festival of Fish, Victory Park, Vermilion, Fri–Sat 12–11pm, Sun 12–6pm. Entertainment, lighted boat parade, crazy craft race, sand castle building, and parade on Sunday. 440.967.4477
www.discoververmilion.com
Jun 14 Festival of Fish 5K Race & 1 Mile Dog Walk, 8am registration, 9am race. 440.967.4208
www.vermilionymca.com
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