Lambert Days

July 17th-18th-19th

In 1890, John William Lambert, a resident of Ohio City, Ohio, built the first gasoline-powered single-cylinder automobile. Lambert purchased a three-cylinder gasoline engine for 3,300 dollars and converted it to a single-cylinder engine. He also used a seven-gallon radiator with steam vent and a carburetor in his engine. Lambert placed the engine in a buggy chassis, with two rear wheels and a single wheel off of a wheelbarrow in the front. Lambert's car could reach speeds as high as five miles per hour. Unfortunately, Lambert's automobile no longer survives today as it was destroyed in a fire in Lambert's barn on October 1, 1891. Many scholars also claim that Lambert was involved in the first automobile accident in world history. Lambert's vehicle, which was carrying Lambert and James Swoveland, hit a tree root, causing the car to careen out of control and smash into a hitching post. Injuries from this accident were minor. Lambert proceeded to patent over six hundred inventions, mostly affiliated with the automobile industry.

BY PAUL RICKARD

Times Bulletin Intern

If you're near Ohio City or just looking for some fun, head on over to Lambert Days, which will be celebrating its 41st year of festivities next weekend. In honor of John Lambert, a former 1890 Ohio City resident and engineer of the first gasoline powered single-cylinder engine, the very popular Lambert Days has a wide variety of entertainment and activities all weekend long that's sure to satisfy the entire family.

A steak dinner kicks of the celebration at 4 p.m. Friday afternoon, along with a USA Tribute and Ethan Enyart and his horse Daphne. Immediately following the dinner is a flag raising by the American Legion, Harvey Lewis Post 346 at 5 p.m. The festivities really go into full swing after, with such activities as kids games, a WiffleBall home run derby, a singles horseshoe tournament, and Monte Carlo night with Texas Hold-Em. Jim Delgado will also be there with Karaoke. At 9 p.m. Henry Rife makes an appearance with his famous ATV Stunt Show (as seen on David Letterman). Then finally at dusk there will be a kids movie provided under the stars.

It's an early start Saturday morning when the Men's Slow Pitch Softball will begin at 8 a.m. An hour later at 9 a.m. the Co-ed Recreation volleyball tournament will begin as well. Other athletic activities on the day includes a Wiffleball tournament, the doubles horseshoe tournament, and a Warrior 4-mile race, which begins at 7 p.m. Saturday night will be concluded with a dance featuring the band Section Ate, which starts at 9 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m.

Sunday morning doesn't slow down as the Men's slow pitch tourney continues at 9 a.m. The chicken BBQ starts at 11 a.m. which will also be accompanied with entertainment from the Glory Gospel Group . The annual parade will then commence at 3 p.m., directly followed by a 50/50 drawing, a gift basket drawing, and a parade award presentation in the community building, along with food and refreshments (available all weekend in the community building as well).

If you have any general questions regarding the festivities, please contact Ralph Riley at 419-965-2443.

Community Garage Sales ALL weekend!!!

Festival

The Village of Ohio City

Ohio City Fall Craft Show

View Larger Map

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws