Ramp Feast & Fests

April 18, 2016
ramps

Pure country eating – Ramp Feast!

Ramp festivals are gearing up in Southern West Virginia

With a taste like garlic, this versatile wild onion can do just about anything. Bring your appetite to our local feasts and see what’s cookin’!

Southern West Virginia’s ramp feasts pack a punch. Here are a few to try:

Richwood’s Extravaganza

The Feast of the Ramson is, put simply, the “Ramp Capitol of the World’s” premiere festival!  It’s probably the most authentic onion festival in West Virginia, too. Ramp lovers kicked things off in 1937 with a hearty meal and a fervent desire to preserve culinary culture. The feast keeps its original sentiment today.

Get a taste of this ol’-time supper at Richwood High School’s gym and cafeteria April 23. Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Comfort food n’ ramps: Taste plenty of hot, traditional fare. Besides the noble onion, dig into ham and bacon; potatoes; beans; cornbread; Gub’s sassafras tea; coffee and drinks.
  • Live music: Listen to bands like the Cactus Kickers and Colton Pack.  At least one singer will pay homage to ramps.
  • Arts and crafts: In the gym, browse about 100 artists selling a variety of homespun items.
  • Ramp recipe contest: Fans have firm notions about proper baking and cooking. Whose original recipe will take home a cash prize?

Camp Creek’s Festival

Hungry for more? Camp Creek State Park’s Lumberjack and Ramp Feast on April 23 is another quirky tribute to the wild onion. Here’s a list of activities:

  • Ramped-up food: Try ramp casserole, brown beans, cornbread, coleslaw, desserts and drinks from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Bird and flower walk: Join a 2-hour hike to get your appetite going!
  • Lumberjack competition: From noon to 3 p.m., cheer on Lumberjacks and Jills as they saw and hack their way to glory.

On The Go

If you’re impatient and don’t want to wait for these festivals, visit Four Seasons Outfitters in Richwood. They sell ramps!

Or, try Kirkwood Winery’s ramp wine. If your savory recipes need a spark of inspiration, order a bottle or two!

What’s your favorite ramp festival?