Clinton County Lamb & Fleece to Serve Local Lamb at Corn Festival

Clinton County Lamb & Fleece Tent

Since 1977, the Antique Power Club of Clinton County has hosted the Clinton County Corn Festival at the County Fairgrounds, located at 286 S Nelson Avenue in Wilmington, Ohio. The Corn Festival features over 30 food booths sponsored by local non-profits, activities for all ages, flea market vendors, a petting zoo, antique tractor displays, and the locally famous 'Corn Olympics.'

One of the returning vendors this year is the Clinton County Lamb and Fleece Committee (CCLFC), an organization that has been around for decades and is dedicated to promoting awareness of lamb and fleece in Clinton County. According to Steve McKibben, Treasurer of the CCLFC, the committee has been serving locally raised lamb at the Corn Festival for 47 years to "promote lamb." Steve mentioned the decline of individuals raising sheep in the county and stated, "If you get one or two people to try [lamb] that's never had it before, [that's] a success... [The corn festival] gives us an opportunity to come out... to promote it." Although the group is not directly affiliated with the 4H Club or Future Farmers of America, the proceeds from the booth go towards awards for 4H kids showing sheep at the annual Clinton County Fair.

At the Corn Festival, the CCLFC serves lamb burgers and shredded lamb, seasoned with lemon juice and garlic to ensure an enjoyable, allergen-free product, according to Steve. The shredded lamb can be made into a sandwich or a gyro and topped with tomatoes, onions, olives, feta, tzatziki sauce, mustard, ketchup, and other condiments. CCLFC also sells homemade lemonade, tea, and other refreshments. At the end of the festival, the booth will sell any remaining uncooked frozen patties for individuals to take home and cook themselves.

According to Steve, the texture of lamb is a cross between beef and pork, and the taste is dependent on whether the lamb is local or imported. He stated that the booth even offers samples to individuals who have never had lamb meat before.

To learn more about the CCLFC or the Clinton County Corn Festival, visit cornfestivalonline.com.