West Virginia and the Appalachian Mountains for gourmet, Wild leeks, incredible edibles.
Richwood Ramp Fest (04/18/2009)
 | What's happening in downtown April 18, the 71st Annual Ramp Feed and Ramp Festival to be held at Richwood High School, Richwood, WV? 11:00 am to 3:00 pm (Feast of the Ramson). Richwood is home to the NRA--The National Ramp Association and the Richwood Chamber of Commerce hosts this traditional springtime Feast of the Ramson.Interested in more information regarding Richwood Ramp Feed call the Richwood Chamber of Commerce at (304)846-6790The festival celebrates 71 years of food, music, ramp dinner, cloggers and an Art & Craft Show, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Richwood Junior High School Gym and other activities. |
 | There's nothing quite like it. The excitement is in the air ... Just enjoying the West Virginia ramps in the springtime, for me, is what it is all about. Ramps which to this day thrives in the Appalachian Mountains and valleys ... There's nothing quite like Appalachian Ramps. |  |
| Visitors: Richwood WV. The Ramp Capital of the World! Located in Nicholas County, in the southern end of the Mountain Lakes region of West Virginia, deep in the hills, accessible by two-lane paved road and Richwood is situated just at the edge of the Monongahela National Forest. DIRECTIONS |
Bato CritesBato Crites was very well known as “Ramp King,” of Nicholas County WV. and in the Appalachian Mountains and valleys of West Virginia during those early days of ramp feasts. He too might have been forgotten like other Richwooders except for two things: his nickname “Ramp King” and the remarkable ramps or wild leeks of West Virginia.
Bato Crites said there were nothing like ramp to flavor a dish and guess what; fancy New York, NY chefs have called themselves "Ramp Eaters" and use ramps in their expensive fancy dishes.
Click on Bato Crites image to see the enlarged version. |
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 | I'm a (Formerly Richwooder) who believe that ramps are good for the heart, that they thin the blood and that they may relieve the common cold and it is so much fun trying to explain the smell and taste of the famous ramp!
A few of our city folks attended Feast of the Ramson and had a very stinky weekend. Our friends who had never had ramps before were good sports about trying them. Can't say all will eat them again, but they are already planning a trip back in the near future...... The food was wonderful, they enjoyed the Craft Show and especially the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and valleys. |
Now here is a recipe worth knowing and is well worth the effort. You could serve #12 plus
"Little Stinkers" Ramps
(Serves #12 Plus) "Ingredients:"
1 bushel Ramps ( Clean and trim up the plants a little. )
1 tbsp. cider vinegar
"Little Stinkers" Preparation:
Cook Ramps in boiling water 15 to 20 minutes until tender. Drain.
Into a large skillet, heat enough bacon drippings to coat the bottom of the pan.
Toss the boil Ramps into the Skillet.
Fry Ramps until lightly browned
Prep Time:25 Minutes. | There are certain recipes you catalogue permanently in your brain under the heading: Wild ramps and wild-leeks.
By following these links, the viewer leave the www.richwooders.com website.
For recipes using ramps, see
- www.wild-leeks.com
Wild Leeks & Ramps at Earthy Delights.
- Wild Harvest
outstanding recipes to share with you!
- Pickled ramp recipes from Gothamist and Gothamist also have a simple pickled ramp recipe.
- Pickled Ramps from Mountain Breezes.
- Need another Pickled Ramp recipe.
- Mom and Ramps Forever This cookbook has twenty-five delicious recipes.
- Pasta with Ramps and Cured Pork recipe.
- The Exotic Wild Leek. This website has several ramp recipes, Wild Leek Pie, Creamed Wild Leek Soup, Stuffed Morels with Wild Leeks, and May Basket Salad.
- A classic ramp recipe dish with pictures, at the Charlestonian Blog, Charleston, West Virginia.
- Martha Stewart wild leeks & ramp recipes. Sauteed Ramps, Ramp Polenta, Grilled Ramps with Asparagus, Spaghetti with Ramps, Watercress and Ramp Soup,(Pappardelle with Rabbit, Ramps, and Wild Garlic), Pickled Ramps, Spring Onion and Pea Soup with Ramp Crostino,etc.
- Food Network - Ramp Recipes & Cooking
- The Amateur Gourmet
This website has several ramp recipes with pictures.
- Epicurious ramp recipes & menus for people who love to eat.
- The Produce Hunter Recipe - ROASTED CHICKEN, RAMPS, AND POTATOES.
- About.com Ramps and Wild Leeks, Southern Food
- Yancey County Favorite Ramp Recipes - Scroll to the bottom of the website page.
- The Forager Press, LLC Salmon with Spring Leeks in a Wild Mushroom Wine Sauce Recipe.
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"Ramps:" an Appalachian delicacy
A wild leek, this onion relative with a garlicky flavor may have anticancer properties, with edible leaves and roots. Found in the woods of upper elevations, it's eaten raw or fried with eggs or just make plain old ramp sandwiches. The plants grow about a foot tall and, when eaten, a strong odor emanates from the skin of the ramps gourmand. Scientific Name for Wild Ramp (Allium tricoccum Aiton) better known as a wild leek, some other common names: wood leek, ail des bois, ail sauvage.
Richwood "Festival"
Richwood Ramp Fest (04/18/2009)
Contact: Richwood WV Area Chamber of Commerce, Phone: 304-846-6790 for the most accurate information and date.
Ramps are the first green things to show their heads in spring in the Appalachian woodlands. They taste somewhat like an onion with a strong odor. They add a little life to Richwood and Nicholas County after a long winter. Richwood, West Virginia is the Ramp Capital of the World! Check out their Feast of the Ramson.
This good old fashioned Richwood Ramp Festival in West Virginia is held in middle of April and all food will be prepared by locals Richwooders especially the ramps, the "little stinkers" will be served with ham, bacon, fried potatoes, brown beans, cornbread, and dessert. Hope you can make it to the 2009 Ramp Fest.
Ramp Fests are Everywhere
Ramp festivals occur in many other mountain communities
of Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia but Richwood appears to be the birthplace of the Ramp Festivals for the United States and the world.
Dates often change. Check ahead for the most accurate information and date.
To submit a Ramp festival or date to our site, email your request to:
Add A Ramp festival Event
Please let us know of errors on the page... Thank you. |
2009 Appalachian Ramp Festivals
Ramp festival dates will be added as they become available and all events are subject to change.
March Please check the websites or call the numbers provided to confirm times and dates.
- Cherokee, North Carolina
Ramps and Rainbow Festival ( March 28, 2009 ) Annual Ramps & Rainbow Festival held on opening day of fishing at Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds Cherokee, North Carolina.
1-800-438-1601
April Please check the websites or call the numbers provided to confirm times and dates.
- Barbour County West Virginia RAMP DINNER
The Nestorville, Barbour County West Virginia RAMP DINNER
(Saturday April 4, 2009, dinner will begin at noon)
- At the Nestorville Community Building
and the dinner will include ham, ramps, fried potatoes, with or without ramps, coleslaw, corn bread, white or brown beans, and dessert and sassafras tea. The cost will be $8 for adults and $3 for children younger than 12. The dinner is sponsored by the Kasson Ruritan Club.
- The Tyler Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter
(Saturday April 11, 2009, 5pm to 7 p.m.) 11th Annual Ramp Dinner Cost: $10 per plate. Dinner includes: boiled ramp greens, potatoes with and without ramps, ground beef with ramps ham, ramp salad, green beans, ramp soup, soup beans, cornbread, dessert, and drink at the Tyler County Fairgrounds at Middlebourne WV. 26149. The proceeds benefit the the Tyler Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter. For more information, call 304-758-9000 ext. 181
Upsher County Library, ( April 17, 2009 ) 15th Annual Ramp Dinner Description: (Ramp Dinner) - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Upshur County library, Buckhannon, WV.
Menu includes: Ramps, Salad with Bacon/ Ramp Vinaigrette Dressing, ham, potatoes, Ramp Quiche, Ramp Chowder, Dinner Rolls, Corn Bread, Apple Dumplings and Peach-Blueberry Cobbler. Adults plates $15, Children $8 and Children under 5 free. Catered by the 88 restraunt and Lounge. All proceeds benefit the Upshur County Library (304) 473-4219.
Richwood, West Virginia 25140
Richwood Ramp Fest (Saturday April 18, 2009 ) 71st. Annual Ramp Festival. Description: (Ramp Feed) - The National Ramp Association's 71st Feast of the Ramson dinner at Richwood High School from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Food, live music, arts & crafts from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Richwood Junior High School Gym. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce, (304) 846-6790 or email: <rwdchamber  richwoodwv.com> - The Richwood Ramp Festival is the oldest on-going ramp festival in West Virginia and the USA, a celebration of Wild Ramp (Allium tricoccum Aiton) or wild leek. Hope you can make it to the Feast of the Ramson
Naoma, West Virginia 25140
Delbert Freewill Baptist Church Annual Ramp (Wild Leek) Dinners (Saturday April 18, 2009 - Noon - 7 p.m. ) Third Saturday in April Drews Creek Delbert Freewill Baptist Church will be having their annual ramp (wild leek) dinners at Drews Creek, Naoma WV. Located on Coal River Rd/WV-3, about 11 miles west of Glen Daniels and about 22 miles from I-64 E/I-77. Drews Creek Delbert Freewill Baptist Church is at the end of the paved road.
Pickens, West Virginia
Pickens Ramp Supper (Saturday April 18, 2009 - 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 pm ) Third Saturday in April at the American Legion Hall in the town of Pickens, WV. 26230. The supper will include ramps, ham, brown beans, fried potatoes, coleslaw, applesauce, cornbread, dessert and drink. Adults $10, Children $5 younger than 12. A dance will follow with a small admission. Sponsored by Pickens Post 122 American Legions. For more information call 304 - 924 -5415.
Mason Dixon Ramp Festival ( April 18 & 19, 2009 10 am till 5 pm.) 19th Annual Mason-Dixon Ramp Festival, at the Mason-Dixon Historical Park, Mt. Morris, Greene County, PA. Ramp foods, music, crafts. Beer battered deep fried ramps, ramp burgers, fried potatoes & ramps, ramp soups, ramp sampler plate. Ramp keilbasa. Ramp wine and ramp cheese tasting. Take 1-79 to exit 1 Mt. Morris, PA to Buckeye Rd to Creek Road 1/2 mile to park. Signs will be posted. 304-879-5500 or <keeperoftheland aol.com> visit website www.masondixonpark.com
Camp Caesar, West Virginia Ramp Dinner
Camp Caesar Ramp Dinner, (Date April 18, 2009, 11:00am - 5:00pm.)
Camp Caesar in Cowen, at Camp Caesar Dining Hall. Route 20 North of Cowen in Upperglade West Virginia. Dinner includes Ramps a vegetable of the lily family that looks like a little green onion, but, tastes like powerful garlic., Ham, Bacon, Brown Beans, Fried Potatoes, Scrambled Eggs, Cornbread, Desserts, and drinks... Cost: Adults $9.00 - 12 years and up, $6.50 - Children ages 5 to 11 years, Children under 5 are free. For more info call, 304-226-3888 http://www.campcaesar.info/ or email <campcaesar frontiernet.net>
Ritchie County, West Virginia
The South Fork Grange Annual Ramp Dinner, (Saturday, April 18, 2009, 2 pm to 5 pm.) Cost: $10 all-you-can-eat, at the grange in Ritchie County WV.
Green Mountain, North Carolina
Bradshaw Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) Annual Ramp Dinner, (Saturday, April 18, 2009) beginning at noon and continuing until the food is gone. Adult $9, Children under 12, $5. 29 Pigeon Roost Road, Green Mountain, NC. 28740
Belington Presbyterian Church Ramp Dinner, ( April __, 2009 ) Belington, West Virginia at the Belington Presbyterian Church Building starting at 11:00 am. Menu includes: Ramps, ham, brown or white beans, fried potatoes, cornbread, beverage and dessert. Belington is a City in Barbour County, West Virginia, along the Tygart Valley River and for more information, call 304 - 823-1054 or 304 - 472-8766
Big Otter, West Virginia 25113
Big Otter Ramp Dinner, (Sunday April 19, 2009 ) Big Otter, WV. 25113
at the Big Otter Community Building starting at 12:30 pm. until the food runs out, cost is $10. Sponsored by the Big Otter Volunteer Fire Department. Menu includes: Ramps with all the trimmings. Take exit 40 off Interstate 79, go south on WV. RT 16 for approx. 3 miles. For info call (304) 286-2212
Helvetia, West Virginia Ramp Dinner
Helvetia Ramp Dinner, ( April 25, 2009 ) Fourth Sat. in April
Helvetia Community Hall, Helvetia, WV. All food will be prepared by locals especially the ramps, the "little stinkers" will be served with ham, bacon, fried potatoes,coleslaw, apple sauce, brown beans, cabbage, cornbread, dessert and a drink. Hope you can make it to the 2009 Ramp Fest. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. or when all food is gone.
Summers County Ramp Dinner, ( Saturday, April 25, 2009 ) , Hinton West Virginia. Menu includes: Ramps, ham, oven brown potatos, cole slaw, beans, cornbread, golden fried fish, iced tea, coffee. Cost: Adults - $10.00 - Children under 10 - $7.00. Time: 1 pm- 5 pm LOCATION: Hinton Elks Willowwood Country Club, Rt. 13 Hinton Willowwood Road (Hilldale) Hinton, WV. Phone: 304-466-3220
Polk County Ramp and Tramp Festival, ( April 22 - 25, 2009 ) , Tennessee. Ramp Festival fourth weekend of April, beginning on Thursday, 4-H Camp in the Greasy Creek Community, Polk County, Tennessee.
Elkins, West Virginia 26241
Elkins, 19th Annual Ramp Festival - ( April 24 & 25, 2009 ) Ramp Dinner and International Ramp Cook-Off and Festival, Elkins, West Virginia 26241. Prize cooking contest, taste testing, entertainment, crafts, ramp food vendors and a traditional ramp dinner. LOCATION: Of the International Ramp Cook off Elkins WV is Elkins City Park (Always held in April)
Webster County, West Virginia
The 2009 Spring Ramp Dinner was cancelled due to the construction of the new Hacker Valley Elementary School. No info at this time on the 2010 spring and Fall Ramp Dinners. Hacker Valley Parents and Teachers (HVPT) Ramp Dinner at Hacker Valley Elementary School ( April __, ____ ) Hacker Valley, Webster County, WV ,The Hacker Valley Elementary School Ramp Dinner will be held on April __, ____ from 2:00pm - 7:00pm. The dinner is always held on the 4th Saturday in April and the fall dinner is scheduled for Saturday, November _, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. The dinner is always held on the first Saturday in November. For information call: Hacker Valley Elementary School 1-304-493-6488 or Fire Department of Hacker Valley 1-304-493-6470.
Robbinsville Graham County North Carolina Ramp-fest.
Graham County North Carolina, (April 25-26, 2009) 34th Annual Romp & Ramps Festival, Saturday – nature walks, workshops; Rompin-Stomping Music Concert and Appalachian Dinner at Stecoah Arts Center. Ramps Dinner served at 11 a.m. Sunday, sponsored by the Graham County Volunteer Rescue Squad, Robbinsville NC.
Roanoke, West Virginia 26447 Ramp Festival
Stonewall Resorts (Weekend of April, 25/26 2009) Annual Ramp Celebration Weekend 940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, WV. 26447 from 11:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m, Stillwaters Restaurant.
Appalachian Cuisine at its finest The Executive Chef through a variety of innovative dishes in his own individual Appalachian ongoing culinary style Please check Stonewall Resorts, website http://www.stonewallresort.com to confirm time and date .
May
Bakersville, North Carolina, Ramp Dinner
The Annual Roan Mountain Chapter 29 of NC. Eastern Star ramp dinner; (Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 4.00pm and continuing until the food is gone) will be having their annual ramp supper at the Bakersville Masonic Lodge on Highway 226. Bakersville, N.C. Cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
Williamsburg, West Virginia Ramp Dinner
The Williamsburg Elementary School 52nd Annual Ramp Dinner
(Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) Adults: $10, Children: $5.
The Williamsburg Elementary School menu will consist of ramps (cooked and raw), ham, buttered brown potatoes, brown beans, coleslaw, cornpone, homemade bread, desserts, milk, buttermilk, iced tea, sassafras tea and coffee. Carry outs available..
Parkersburg, West Virginia Ramp Festival
Faith Gospel Church, ( Saturday, May 2, 2009 12-noon 'til all the food is gone.)
Lost Pavement Rd.
South Parkersburg, WV
Call 304-483-1079 if you plan to come from a good distance away (we don't want you to show up after all the ramps are gone).
All you can eat:
Cooked ramps, Raw Ramp, Soup beans, Cornbread, Potatoes, Ham, Dessert, Refreshments, Ect.
For more info call (304) 483-1079 or visit our website www.faithgospelchurch.org.
The Mt. Grove Volunteer Fire Department Ramp Dinner (Sunday, May 3, 2009 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
All you can eat Menu includes: ramps (raw or cooked), ramp salad, and fried potatoes with or without ramps, tavern ham, beans, cornbread, drinks and dessert. Cost: $7 for adults, $3 for children age's six to 11, for children younger than 6 eat for free. Entertainment will be music and dancing at Mt. Grove Community Center, Mt. Grove, Tucker County, West Virginia 26716
"The First Upper Delaware Ramp Festival" North Branch, NY. ( May __/__ 2009 ) at Sullivan County, NY and Wayne County, PA 1st Saturday & Sunday in May is a new locally-produced public event in that will help to raise awareness and appreciation for local agriculture and the environment in the Upper Delaware River Valley.
The First Upper Delaware Ramp Festival ( Newstories )
Bomont, Clay County, West Virginia 25030
The Annual H.E. White ramp dinner, (May 03, 2009) at H E White Elementary School 501 Bomont Road, Bomont, Clay County, WV 25030, 12:00 am to 4:00 pm. This 39th annual event features delicious home cooked foods and EVERYONE IS WELCOME! So come join us for all the Appalachian Heritage fixing’s, adults $10, Children 12 and under $5.00 and Carry outs $10.00. Call for the most accurate information and date 304-548-7101
Cosby, Tennessee Ramp-fest
Cosby Ramp Festival in Tennessee (May 3, 2009)
56th Annual Ramp Festival, Kineauvista Hill Cosby, Tennessee. Appalachian Crafts and festivities held outdoors. Music, Country, Gospel, Bluegrass and Rock & Roll and food for the annual ramp festival is ramps and green eggs, BBQ chicken served with ramps. Please check http://www.cosbyrampfestival.org to confirm time and date.
Romney, Hampshire County, West Virginia Ramp Dinner
Romney, Hampshire County, WV. ( May 3, 2009 always the first Sunday in May) The Springfield Valley VFD holds an annual RAMP Dinner the first Sunday in May. We feature soup beans, brown beans, fried potatoes, eggs, salad, meat loaf, cornbread, and ramp cake. We also prepare the same food without ramps. Located 6 miles north of Romney off Route 28 on Springfield Pike at Springfield Community Building. 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Bayard, Grant County, West Virginia Ramp Dinner
Bayard Vol. Fire Department's Annual Ramp Dinner - (May 3, 2009 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Bayard West Virginia This annual dinner features delicious ramps-raw, cooked, and in ramp salad, fried potatoes (with or with-out ramps), ham, beans, cornbread, drinks, and dessert. All you can eat adults $7.00, children 6-11 $3.00, under 6 free. Location: Bayard Vol. Fire Department Bayard West Virginia. Bayard is a town in Grant County, West Virginia
Waynesville, Haywood County, North Carolina
Waynesville Annual Ramp Convention - (Sunday, May 03, 2009 ) Starting at noon at the American Legion Post in Waynesville, North Carolina Celebrate ramps by eating dishes including the wild ramp, raw or cooked ramps, baked beans, scrambled eggs, country ham, meatloaf, potatoes, cornbread rolls, and (Rampless Hamburgers and Hot Dogs) and by listening to country and bluegrass music. It's probably Western North Carolina's biggest ramp festival. Phone (800) 334-9036 or (828) 456-8691
Annual Ramp Supper, Cullasaja, Macon County, North Carolina 2873 ( Cullasaja Fire and Rescue Squad )
Flag Pond Tennessee Ramp-fest
Flag Pond Tennessee 24th Ramp Festival - (Saturday, May 09, 2009)
Entertainment will be a variety of live Bluegrass, Country an Gospel Bands playing your favorite ‘Down Home’ songs. A Clogging/Line Dance group is also scheduled to put on a performance for your enjoyment. There will be crafts and children's events, and food, at the Flag Pond, TN.,Community Center. Sponsored by: Flag Pond Ruritan Club and click for the Flag Pond, 2008 Ramp Festival Gallery Please check http://www.flagpond.com/festival/ramp/fest.htm to confirm time and date
Whitetop, Grayson County, Virginia Ramp-fest
Whitetop Mountain Ramp Festival, (May 17, 2009 - 11:00 AM-6:00 PM), at the Mount Rogers Vol. Fire Dept. & Rescue Squad Fire Hall, 51 Firehouse Road, Whitetop, VA 24292 - third Sunday in May. Offers mountain arts and crafts, ramp eating contest begins at 5 pm., Bluegrass Mountain music, a BBQ chicken dinner is offered with fried potatoes and ramps. Whitetop, Grayson County, Virginia
Mathias, West Virginia Ramp Dinner
Ramp dinner at Jenkins Church, Mathias, WV., is May 23rd. Last year the dinner was on May 17 (3rd Sat.) Don't know why the date keeps changing
Jenkins Chapel Annual Ramp Dinner ( May 23, 2009 ) at Mathias, Hardy County, WV.
Does anyone know when the Crossnore North Carolina Ramp Event is scheduled to take place?
Jim & Jennie's Music Barn and Campground Ramp Event,
( May __-__ 2009, on Saturday from 12:30 to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.) at Jim & Jennie's Music Barn and Campground located at 677 Hawshaw Fire Tower Road in Crossnore, NC. Crossnore is a town in Avery County, North Carolina is about 20 miles from Boone, down 105 past Grandfather Mountain.
This annual two-day event features delicious fried ramps with potatoes and all the trimmings. Serving time is 12:30 to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and plenty of raw leeks, live music, dancing.
Dates often change. Check ahead for the most accurate information and date.
To submit a Ramp festival or date to our site, email your request to:
Add A Ramp festival Event
Please let us know of errors on the page... Thank you. |
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