'Dinner in the Fields' 2025 To Be Held At McFadden Farm In Sabina
- Real Change Wilmington
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
On August 9th, 2025, the Clinton County Leadership Institute (CCLI) will host its 16th Dinner in the Fields at McFadden Farm, located at 6112 State Route 729 in Sabina, Ohio. Each year, CCLI highlights a different area of the county by selecting a farm to host a meal in the field. The McFadden Farm is a fourth generation grain farm that has operated since 1951. Over the years, the McFaddens transitioned from farming livestock to now farming all "row crops," such as corn and soybeans. It is currently operated by Michael, Matt, and Steve McFadden.
Elizabeth Huber, CCLI President and organizer of the Dinner in the Fields, stated, "[We're] making it... more than just a dinner [to] a whole event when you go." She mentioned the menu this year will feature ribs using a homemade barbecue sauce, sponsored by Wilmington Savings Bank and prepared by Bob Schaad. The dinner will also include traditional sides like baked beans and corn provided by Lee Farms. According to Elizabeth, they are "using as much local produce as [they] can."
For dessert, CCLI will host an entertaining pie auction to collect funds for the Leadership Clinton Youth Program, a leadership program for high-schoolers from each school district in Clinton County. The event as a whole raises money for CCLI's adult leadership program. Both the youth and adult programs provide breakfast, lunch, and a snack to their participants during their 8 leadership classes held each month from September to April.
According to Elizabeth, the money raised at Dinner in the Fields allows CCLI to keep the costs of the leadership program well below the cost of similar programs in other communities, and entirely free for high schools to send their students.
At the event, Sabina Native, Patrick Roush, will provide acoustic entertainment. Sabina High School FFA, Wilmington High School FFA, and Wilmington's volleyball team will be volunteering to help with parking and serving. This year, parking will be on-site with shuttles available.
To learn more about Dinner in the Fields, please visit leadershipclinton.org.
