Ramp Festivals, Feast of the Ramson

2017 Feast of the Ramson

59 News explores West Virginia ramp tradition
Ramps and Wild leeks is what it is all about, incredible wild plants & edibles.

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FEAST OF THE RAMSON, Saturday, May 15, 2021 10:00am - 3:00pm (or until the food runs out!) Location: Richwood Moose Lodge, Sponsored by the Richwood Area Chamber of Commerce, (304)846-6790 or email rwdchamber@frontier.com
This website page provide as a service by Richwooders.com to all those who seek Ramps and Wild leeks.
Richwood, West Virginia is the ramp capitol (USA)
Feast of the Ramson
West Virginia and the Appalachian Mountains for gourmet, Wild leeks, incredible edibles.

83nd Ramp Festival -Saturday, May 15, 2021
Sponsored by the Richwood Area Chamber of Commerce, (304)846-6790 or email rwdchamber@frontier.com
Feast of the Ramson
82nd Feast of the Ramson - April 18, 2020
has been canceled
82nd Feast of the Ramson in Richwood has been canceled, the latest festival to fall victim to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
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)846-6790
Ramps which to this day thrives in the Appalachian Mountains and valleys ... There's nothing quite
like Appalachian Ramps.
RampsThere'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.Ramp Seeds
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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
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Bato Crites

Bato 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.
Ramp King
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 King of Stink!
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.
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

  1. Thai Salmon Traybake with Leeks & Spring Onions is a Wild Leeks & Ramps Earthy Delights.
  2. Salmon with Leeks outstanding recipes to share with you!
  3. Pickled ramp recipes from From a Chefs Kitchen and Chefs Kitchen also have a simple pickled ramp recipe.
  4. Pickled Ramps from Honest Food.
  5. Need another Pickled Ramp recipe.
  6. Mom and Ramps Forever - This cookbook has twenty-five delicious recipes.
  7. Pasta with Ramps and Cured Pork recipe.
  8. 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.
  9. A classic ramp recipe dish with pictures, at the Charlestonian Blog, Charleston, West Virginia.
  10. 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.
  11. The Fallingwater Chef at Home: A Spring Forage
  12. The Amateur Gourmet This website has several ramp recipes with pictures.
  13. 25 Ways to Use Ramps ramp recipes & for people who love to eat ramps.
  14. The Produce Hunter Recipe - ROASTED CHICKEN, RAMPS, AND POTATOES.
  15. The spruce Eats Ramps and Wild Leeks, Southern Food
  16. RECIPE FOR CANNING Pickled Ramps (Wild Leeks)
  17. Ramp Recipes to Make Your Cooking Scream Spring

    "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 rich 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: rich woods leek, ail des bois, ail sauvage.

    Richwood "Festival"


    Richwood Ramp Fest
    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 rich 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 drinks, (Sassafras Tea, coffee, and cold drink). Hope you can make it to the Rampfest.





    Ramp Festivals are Everywhere
    Rampfests occur in many other mountain communities
    of Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Canada 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.

    Most ramp events have been canceled due to the coronavirus.

    Ramp festival dates will be added as they become available and all events are subject to change.


    Look Below for Previous Festivals
    Please check the websites or call the numbers provided to confirm times and dates.

    1. March

    2. Cherokee, North Carolina
      Ramps and Rainbow Festival (Late March) Annual Ramps & Rainbow Festival held on opening day of fishing at Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds Cherokee, North Carolina.



      April

    3. Faith Gospel Church Ramp Dinner
      DATE: Saturday, 4/13/13
      TIME: 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
      LOCATION: Faith Gospel Church - 1228 Lost Pavement Rd Parkersburg, WV 26101
      PRICE: $ 10.00 for adults, $ 6.00 for children 11 yrs. old and under
      CONTACT: 304-474-3632 or www.faithgospelchurch.org
      MENU: Ham, ramps, fried potatoes, fried potatoes with ramps, soup beans, ramp salad corn bread, and dessert.



    4. Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department Ramp Dinner,
      Buffalo, Putnam County, West Virginia, along the Kanawha River.
      (Sunday April 1st. 2012) Noon - 5pm
      At the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department, 3522 Buffalo Road, Buffalo W.Va
      304-937-3255
      Menu: Ramps, Ham, Fried Potatoes, Macaroni Salad, Brown Beans, Cornbread, Desert & Drink!!! Live Music, cost $8.00. The dinner is sponsored by the Buffalo VDF.
      Any questions call 304-532-3380



    5. Tyler County Senior Center Ramp Dinner
      Scholarship Fundraiser
      April 14th, 2012
      5:00 PM To 7:00 PM
      Tyler County Senior Center Banquet Room, 504 Cherry Street, Middlebourne, WV 26149
      Menu: Ham, Fried Potatoes With or Without Ramps, Soup Beans, Cornbread, Ramp Salad, Green Beans, Boiled Ramps, Desserts, and Drink. Adults: $8.00 Children 12 and Under $4.00 Scholarship Fundraiser. For More Information Call: 304-758-4919.



    6. Ramp Fest, Evarts, Kentucky
      April 14th, 2012
      North Evarts RV Campground
      Harlan County Ridge Runners
      We will start serving @4:00 PM and are working on having live entertainment that evening. If they are not booked Cumberland River Band wants to play if possible. ATV rides may be going out that morning and back in time to eat. All are welcome.



    7. The Ballplay Ruritan Club Annual Ramp Festival Tellico Plains, TN., on Saturday April 20, 2013 at the Friends Meeting of Ballplay Fellowship Hall and grounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be family activities, live music, craft vendors and local community organizations. The Ramp Dinner, served from Noon to 3 p.m., includes a beverage, fried potatoes, and dessert. "Rain or Shine" with free admission is located west of the intersection of Hwy. 360 and Ballplay Rd in Tellico Plains, TN at 157 Ballplay School Road. Look for us on Facebook, "BALLPLAY RURITAN" for updates. We are looking for local crafts vendors and demonstrators who are interested in participating in this popular, community-based event. John or Lynn at 423-442-7053 for more information


    8. Ramp Up Peninsula, Ohio
      Saturday,April 20th, 2013
      11 AM to 5 PM,
      Located On the grounds of Brandy-Wine-Bar on Par 3, Brandywine Country Club
      5555 Akron-Peninsula Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
      $5 ADMISSION FEE General public
      $1 Children 12 or under
      All children must be accompanied by an adult
      The ramp fest is sponsored by the Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce in Peninsula, Ohio.
      Rain or Shine
      Facebook info: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/RAMP-UP-Peninsula/488842641171832
      You can also find more info at www.explorepeninsula.com



    9. Richwood, West Virginia 26261
      Richwood Rampfest (To be held on Saturday,
      April 18, 2015
      .) Annual Ramp Festival Description: (Ramp Feed) - The National Ramp Association's Feast of the Ramson dinner at Richwood High School from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Food, live music, arts & crafts from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Richwood Junior High School Gym. Interested in more information regarding Richwood Ramp Feed call the Richwood Chamber of Commerce at (304)846-6790 -
      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



    10. 1st Annual Shortline Ramp Festival
      Saturday,April 20th, 2013
      11 AM to 2 PM,
      Robert C Byrd Center, Pine Grove, WV
      Admission is FREE....to have a vendor table for food or merchandise is FREE for nonprofit groups and $5 for businesses or individuals. There will be kid games for FREE and the fee for entering the cornhole or horseshoe tournament is $5.
      An event sure to leave a good taste in your mouth

      A day of fun devoted to ramps and community! There will be musicians, corn hole tourney, horseshoe tourney, bingo, food booths, crafts, games and of course a ramp cook off!!

      Anyone interested in participating and / or volunteering, please contact Julie Liggett 304-815-2827 or Tina Rush 304-815-3508



    11. THE 2013 POLK COUNTY TENNESSEE RAMP TRAMP FESTIVAL

      Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival 1958-2013 Saturday, April 27 2013. was submitted: by James A Hulett

      click image to view larger menu.click image to view larger menu.



    12. Barbour County West Virginia RAMP DINNER
      The Nestorville, Barbour County West Virginia RAMP DINNER
      Saturday April 2 2011 (begin at 12 noon)
      At the Nestorville Community Building
      and the dinner include ham, ramps, fried potatoes, with or without ramps, coleslaw, corn bread, white or brown beans, and dessert and sassafras tea. The dinner is sponsored by the Kasson Ruritan Club.


    13. Tyler Future Farmers of America (FFA) 13th annual Ramp Dinner
      (April 09, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm) Ramp 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



    14. Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department Ramp Dinner,
      Buffalo, Putnam County, West Virginia, along the Kanawha River.
      (April, 10 2011)
      At the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department
      and the dinner will include Ramps,Brown Beans, Cornbread, Ham, Fried Potatoes, Macaroni Salad, Desert, and Drink, cost $8.00. The dinner is sponsored by the Buffalo VDF.
      For more information, contract: Angela Whittington 304 532 3380



    15. Upsher County Library, 17th Annual Ramp Dinner Buckhannon, WV. - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Upshur County library, Buckhannon, WV.
      Menu includes: Stir Fried Ramps, Salad with Bacon/ Ramp Vinaigrette Dressing, Tavern Ham, Ramp Quiche, Ramp Chowder, Dinner Rolls, Corn Bread, Apple Dumplings and Peach-Blueberry Cobbler. Catered by the 88 restraunt and Lounge. All proceeds benefit the Upshur County Library (304) 473-4219 or (304) 472-4858 to make reservations.



    16. Evarts Kentucky Annual Ramp festival
      (To be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 Description: (Ramp Fest) - The Harlan County Ridge Runners will sponsor their fifth annual Ramp Festival beginning at 9 a.m. at the North Evarts RV Campground. Everybody is welcome and the ramps is cooked with polish sausage and potatoes and dug the week of the ramp fest.



    17. Naoma, West Virginia 25140
      Delbert Freewill Baptist Church Annual Ramp (Wild Leek) Dinners 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.



    18. Pickens Ramp Supper, West Virginia
      Pickens Ramp Supper Usually 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. A dance will follow with a small admission. Sponsored by Pickens Post 122 American Legions. For more information call 304 - 924 -5415 or 304 - 924-5415.



    19. The Mason Dixon Park of Greene County Pennsylvania (Mt.Morris, PA) will be hosting its 21th Annual Ramp Festival this year April 16th & 17. 2011. Thousands of visitors from all over the United States join us this weekend for this free event. The event hosts the Scotty Ramp Rally, Antique Engine displays, free door prizes, area crafters, artisans, musicians, and country chef's turn out for the first big festival of the spring in the Greater Morgantown Area. Admission is always free at our festivals. Camping is available for those wishing to stay the weekend.

      The Original Mason-Dixon Historical Park: Located at 79 Buckeye Road, Core, WV and Mount Morris, PA. Park facilities are available to rent year-round, including pavilions with modern restrooms, a ballfield, small camper hooks, and a large red barn with cooking and dining facilities. Visitors have enjoyed ramp dinners in the spring and buckwheat/sausage dinners in the fall for many years at the park. The 295 acres of meadow and woodland is always available for hiking. Dunkard Creek is a popular fishing stream and the park is headquarters of the Dunkard Creek Watershed Assn. Seasonal festivities include the annual Ramp Festival, Purple Martin Festival and Frontier Festival. The 295-acre public park is divided nearly in half by the Mason-Dixon Line with acreage in Greene County and Monongalia County, WV. FMI, call 304-879-4101 or visit www.masondixonhistoricalpark.com.

    20. Ramp Feed in Proctorville, OH
      Offered by VFW Post 6878 and Ladies Auxiliary.
      (Date: Always held on the third Saturday of April)
      Located on Ohio Rt. 7 in Proctorville. Dinner includes Ramps a vegetable of the lily family that looks like a little green onion, beans, corn bread, fried taters, dessert, and a beverage. This is one of the largest ramp dinners in the state of Ohio and people come from as far away as Columbus and Detroit to feast on the ramp.


    21. Camp Caesar, West Virginia Ramp Dinner
      Camp Caesar Ramp Dinner, (Date April 4 & 6, 2013)
      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... For more info call, 304-226-3888 http://www.campcaesar.info/ or email <campcaesar West Virginia frontiernet.net>



    22. Big Otter, West Virginia 25113
      Big Otter Ramp Feed, (April 17 2011) Big Otter, WV. 25113
      at the Big Otter Community Building starting at 12:30 pm. until the food runs out. 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


    23. Green Mountain, North Carolina Ramp Dinner
      (To be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011
      Bradshaw Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) Annual Ramp Dinner, beginning at noon and continuing until the food is gone. There will be live music. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children under 12. 29 Pigeon Roost Road, Green Mountain, NC. 28740



    24. North Carolina, Ramp Dinner
      The Annual Roan Mountain Chapter 29 of NC. Eastern Star ramp dinner; (Saturday, April 23) 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.



    25. Buladean Fire Department NC. annual Ramp and Soup Bean dinner
      Ramp dinner fund raiser for April 23 2011 has been canceled. Maybe we will try again next year.



    26. West Union, West Virginia Ramp Dinner
      ( April 30, 2011 ) (2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.) Dinner will be served as long as the food lasts
      The Doddridge County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition will be partnering with The New Milton Union Mission Church to hold a FREE Ramp Dinner. The dinner will be held at the Doddridge County FRN Building.
      The meal will feature Ramps, Beans, Potatoes, Desserts and Drinks. There will be FREE entertainment and donations will be accepted at the door. Hope you can make it to the Ramp Fest.
      For more information, contact Lynn Boyce at (304) 266-9160.



    27. Quick Community Center Ramp Dinner, Pinch, (Kanawha County) West Virginia
      ( April 30, 2011 ) (11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
      This community center is located 6 miles up Quick Road, which is off of Pinch Road in Kanawha County.



    28. Helvetia, West Virginia Ramp Dinner
      Helvetia Ramp Dinner, ( Last Saturday 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 Ramp Fest. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. or when all food is gone.



    29. Washington Bottom Ramp Feed, West Virginia
      (April 28, 2012) 11:30 to 4 p.m. at the community building on WV 892 (Dupont Road) Wood County, West Virginia. Menu includes ramps, ham, fried potatoes, soup beans, apple sauce, cornbread and coffee or tea. Boarding house style service. Hope you can make it to the Ramp Feed.Contact: David Lawson (304) 863-3311.



    30. Hacker Valley Elementary School hosts ramp dinners every spring and fall.
      Webster County, West Virginia

      Hacker Valley Parents and Teachers (HVPT) hosts ramp dinner at Hacker Valley Elementary. The dinner is always held on the 4th Saturday in April from 2:00pm - 7:00pm. and the fall dinner is held on the first Saturday in November from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. For information call: Hacker Valley Elementary School 1-304-493-6488 or Fire Department of Hacker Valley 1-304-493-6470.


    31. Annual Ramp Celebration Weekend at Stonewall Resort (April 21 2012) 940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, West Virginia 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 .



    32. 2nd Annual Ramp's on the River Ramp Festival,
      April 30, 2011,
      Hiawassee River Trout Lodge Hiawassee, GA 30546 . Ham, fried taters, coleslaw, cornbread, moonpie & ice tea--$8. Live music, arts & crafts, horseshoe tournament, corn hole, duck races and fun for everyone. 11-5. Call 706-896-7400 for information.



    33. Elkins, West Virginia 26241
      Elkins, Annual Ramp Festival - (April 30 2011 10:00AM - 5:00PM) The Ramps & Rails Festival, Randolph County, Elkins, West Virginia 26241. All day festival featuring food vendors with ramp dishes as well as craft and artisan vendors with live music. Short Train rides (10:30am and 2pm) Train $9 per ticket LOCATION: Elkins Historic Town Square (Always held in April) Info: 304-637-4667 Brought to you by the Elkins Depot Welcome Center. 304-635-7803



    34. Ramp Fest Hundson New York 2012
      Chefs from the Hudson Valley and New York City, each offering an original dish featuring Ramps, food drink and live music!



    35. Robbinsville Graham County North Carolina Ramp Fest.
      Graham County North Carolina, (Last Week in April) 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.

      Please check Graham County North Carolina, website to confirm time and date of dinner.


    36. May

    37. The 58th Annual Cosby Tennessee Ramp Festival
      (has been cancelled)


      Last year Schedule:
      starting at 9 am
      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 to confirm time and date.



    38. Bayard Vol. Fire Department's Annual Ramp Dinner
      May 1 at 11 at Bayard firehall features ham cornbread beans fried potato with and with out ramps stewed ramps dessert and drink. 8.00 adults 4.00 children under 3 free
      Bayard is a town in Grant County, West Virginia



    39. The Mt. Grove Volunteer Fire Department Ramp Dinner, Tucker County, West Virginia 26716 (Sunday, May 1, 2011) 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
      Menu includes: cooked ramps, fried potatoes with/without ramps, raw ramps, ramp salad, Ham, northern and pinto beans, cornbread, dessert, and drink.
      LOCATION: Mount Grove Volunteer Fire Department. Mt Grove Vol. Fire Dept. dinner hall, 1671 Slaubaugh Rd. Eglon, WV. Adults $10, Children 7-11 $5, Children under 6 free. Phone: (304) 735-6801


    40. The Reynoldsville & Lost Creek Volunteer Fire Departments Ramp Dinner, (Harrison County, West Virginia)
      (Sunday, May 1, 2011) 11 a.m. Menu includes: Ramps, Fried Potatoes, Soup Beans, Corn bread, Bacon, Salad, Dessert & Drink.
      LOCATION: Lost Creek Community Building. Adults $10, Children 12-Under $5, Phone: 304-623-9309 or 304-745-5267 for more information.



    41. Erbacon, Webster County West Virginia
      ramp dinner is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2011.
      Starts at 11am and runs till 5 pm.
      Location: Erbacon Community Center.
      $9 per adult, $7 age 7 - 12.
      Menu includes: Ramps, Fried Potatoes, Ham, Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Brown Beans, Cornbread, Dessert and Drinks.



    42. Summers County Ramp Dinner, Hinton West Virginia. April 14 2012 Menu includes: Ramps, ham, oven brown potatos, cole slaw, beans, cornbread, golden fried fish, iced tea, coffee. Time: 1 pm- 5 pm LOCATION: Hinton Elks Willowwood Country Club, Rt. 13 Hinton Willowwood Road (Hilldale) Hinton, WV. Phone: 304-466-3220 to confirm time, date and menu.


    43. 56th Annual Williamsburg, West Virginia Ramp Dinner
      At the Williamsburg School Community Center (the old Williamsburg Elementary School)
      (Saturday, May 4, 2013) 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
      The Williamsburg 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. Call (304) 645-6867 for info.



    44. Annual Ramp Supper, Cullasaja, Macon County, North Carolina 2873 ( Cullasaja Fire and Rescue Squad ) May 7, 2011



    45. Singhampton Ramp Romp! Spring arrives in Singhampton a bit later that other parts, however, Ramp Romp takes place on the first Saturday in May at SINGHAMPTON COMMUNITY CENTER, Singhampton, Canada for all ages.



    46. Romney, Hampshire County, West Virginia
      The Springfield Valley VFD holds an annual RAMP Dinner the first Sunday in May (depends on growth of the ramps). 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.



    47. Upper Delaware Ramp Festival" North Branch, NY. 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 )



    48. Frametown Volunteer Fire Department. May 6, 2012 Menu includes: Ramps, brown & white, beans, cornbread, scrambled eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, dessert, and drinks. Time: Noon til the food is gone. LOCATION: Exit 51 off I-79 2 miles toward Sutton to Rosedale Road and the fire department is about 300 yards on the left. Just follow the signs. Phone: (304) 364-8460 fire dept., (304) 364-5519 Tara, (304) 286-2624 Holly, or (304) 364-8605 Debbie, for more information.


    49. Annual Ramp Dinner Graysville, WV.
      Sponsored by Graysville Community Assoc. (May , 8 a.m.-until sold out) at Graysville Community Bldg. Graysville, WV. The 2010 menu: ramp soup, fried potatoes, soup beans, ham, scrambled eggs, hot dogs, dessert, and raw ramps. All menu items can be cooked with or without the ramps. Eat in or take out. Contact Bob Riggenbach, 304-845-0858.

    50. Ramp Dinner at Bomont, Clay County, West Virginia 25030
      The Annual H.E. White ramp dinner, at H E White Elementary School 501 Bomont Road, Bomont, Clay County, WV 25030, 12:00 am to 4:00 pm May 6, 2012. This annual event features delicious home cooked foods and EVERYONE IS WELCOME! So come join us for all the Appalachian Heritage fixing. Call for the most accurate information and date 304-548-7101


    51. Waynesville, 77th Annual Ramp Convention, Haywood County, North Carolina
      Waynesville Annual Ramp Convention (Always the first Sunday in May) 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


    52. Flag Pond Tennessee Ramp-fest
      Flag Pond Tennessee 28th Ramp Festival - (Saturday, May 11, 2013)
      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



    53. Third Sunday in May for the annual Whitetop Mountain Ramp Festival, at the Mount Rogers Vol. Fire Dept. & Rescue Squad Fire Hall, 51 Firehouse Road, Whitetop, VA 24292. 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



    54. Mathias Ramp Dinner, Hardy County West Virginia
      Ramp dinner at Jenkins Church, Mathias, WV., May 21, 2011 The supper, which is supported by donations from visitors, features ramps and fried potatoes, scrambled eggs with ramps, ham, brown beans, cornbread, cakes, pies and beverages.
      For more information on Jenkins Chapel Annual Ramp Dinner call (304 897-8700)

    55. Jim & Jennie's Music Barn and Campground Ramp Event,
      In the Spring the Barn hosts a Ramp Festival that also features bluegrass music. 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. For more info., 828-733-0682



Dates often change. Check ahead for the most accurate information and date.

Most ramp events have been canceled due to the coronavirus.
Birthplace of ramp

Ramps is offered in other locales in West Virginia

Ramp is offered in other locales in Nicholas County West Virginia, Leivasy grade school and Craigsville Grade School has a really good dinner. Jenkins Chapel United Methodist Church, Mathias, WV. Has a really good dinner of ramps, fried potatoes, brown beans, ham, and corn bread at the church social hall. Do not know the exact dates.
Mary H Brown
Fairfax, Va.


By following these links below, the viewer leave the www.richwooders.com website.

Ramp Country Pictures, see
(1) Pictures of the H.E. White Ramp Feed May 4, 2003 Clay County, West Virginia 25164.
(2) Pictures of the Flag Pond Ramp Festival May, 13 2006, Unicoi County, Tennessee.
(3) Pictures Digging Ramps in the Big Otter Community area of Calhoun County , West Virginia.
(4) "Well, it's simple. We just love ramps." Richwood hosts 81st annual Feast of the Ramson Richwood , West Virginia.
(5) In A Coal Town Where Jobs Are Few, Wild Ramps Are Plenty
** PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS IMAGE **


Order ramps (wild leeks) here when in season.

If you can't make it to one of the festivals and not able to get back there to get any ramps in the wild, buy then in gourmet stores and ramp farms.
To buy Wild Leeks, visit
(1) earthy.com Earthy Delights, a specialty foods company who was one of the first, if not the first company selling ramps nationwide.
(2) G&N Ramp Farm (http://www.rampfarm.com/) Ramp Farm Specialties in Richwood, West Virginia. Was one of the first ramp farms in West Virginia and in the country selling ramps.
Link to Cultivating Ramps:
Cultivating Ramps:
Wild leeks of Appalachia

Links from the Library of Congress
Ramp Suppers, Biodiversity, and the Integrity of "The Mountains"
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/tending/essay4a.html
http://rs6.loc.gov/ammem/collections/tending/essay4a.html

A FIELD TRIP TO DIG THE EASTERN RAMP
This article appeared in print on April 20, 2011, on page D1 of the New York edition
When Digging for Ramps Goes Too Deep

Reprint from the Charleston Daily Mail
( Digging Deep For Ramps) Thursday April 19, 2001, Calhoun County

Link to how to cook ramps:
How to Cook Ramps


How Many Ramps Do You Need for a Festival:
How Many Ramps


Are Ramp Festivals Sustainable?:
Are Ramp Festivals Sustainable?



In 2004, a documentary on Ramp Festivals was recorded, entitled The King of Stink. The film aired a year later on Public television stations.

Documentary on PBS

Public television stations aired, a documentary examines ramps and features eleven Appalachian ramp dinners and festivals. In addition to Richwood, Chloe, Elkins and Helveta West Virginia. Stops in Polk County, Cosby County and Flag Pond, Unicoi County, Tennessee. The filmmakers visited Whitetop Mountain Ramp Festival,Whitetop,Virginia. Stops in North Carolina included those in Cherokee, Waynesville and Cullasaja.
For more information, the web site (Golden Lion Media)

Get your daily dose of New York, NY Gothamist info on Ramps.

Better Pans Don't Make You A Better Chef Wild ramps and wild-leeks will make you a better chef.
Gothamist New York, NY says ramps (wild leek) serve in our hottest New York City restaurants. Little known just a few years ago, every spring excited NYC top chefs and home cooks await the first fresh ramps of the season.
U may not have seen "The Show" on CBS ....but they had one of this big name New York City chef who was doing some cooking on the show.... guess what he was using in one of his fancy dishes: "ramps" Said there were nothing like them to flavor a dish but they were expensive: $10 - 12 a pound in New York... partly due to the fact that the season was so short: 5 - 6 weeks. And here I thought ramps were just for mountain communities and towns. ... Even city folks like them. ...
Anything that is "a cross between onion and garlic" would be prized by any chef.


  1. Thought you might like to know what New York City chefs do with ramps.
Ramp Fest Is Coming And It's So Close We Can Smell the links
  1. The Helvetia Ramp Supper.
  2. The True Sign of Spring (The Atlantic article on the Helvetia Ramp Supper)



Newspaper was printed with ink which had ramp juice added!
I lived in
Richwood
for a few years when my mother was a teacher there. In fact, I was the first African-American graduate of Richwood High School. My sister Lois later graduated there also. A couple of nights ago I had a meal at a gourmet restaurant in San Francisco which had ramps as part of the entree dish, and of course I had to order it for that reason. I have not had ramps since I left Richwood and have fond memories of the entire town smelling like ramps because the newspaper was printed with ink which had ramp juice added one week during the spring. I look forward to coming back for a visit sometime soon, and in the meantime I will have to find a place to buy ramps!
Antoinette Payne Hewlett <PayneHewlett at aol.com>
Oakland, CA. USA - Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 15:31:45 (CDT)
Add a comment
If you have some Ramps Gothamist recipes to share or links, Add a comment.
#1 Recipes

Spring ramps and rainbow trout from the mountains and streams of Richwood....

Oh man, This will make any West Virginia hillbilly hungry!

The earlier you dig ramps, the milder they are. Nothing like catching a few trout, stuffing them full of ramps and butter, wrapping them in foil (seal the top and side edges} and griddle them directly over hot coals or you can brush the fish with butter or make your own marinade. Cook about 4 inch from hot coals 5 minutes. Turn; brush with butter or marinade, cook 5 minutes longer. Fish is done when it flakes easily with fork. If desired, serve with additional ramps fry in hot grease.
There are certain recipes that, when you begin them, you instantly know that this is something you will want to do again and again.

#2 Recipes
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.


Feast of the Ramson

A City Slickers ramp Quote of the Year!
Man these ramps are miserable little stinking plants that don't go down without a fight and they are truly King of stink.


My favorite time of the year ramp season and Richwood WV. is the best place to get em. Come on down and enjoy nine holes of golf in the scenic mountains of Richwood at Cherry Hill Country Club.
Enjoy spring ramps and rainbow trout from the mountains and streams of Richwood and explore the wonders of Nicholas County West Virginia.
Published by Billybob
Richwood West Comments
Web page Started on 04/09/2003
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