The 11th annual Ramp Fest, an ATV ride and dinner hosted by the Harlan County Ridge Runners ATV Club Inc., is set to take place on Saturday.
According to the Harlan County Ridge Runners President Bill Troutman, the event kicks off at the North Evarts RV Campground with riders heading out between 9 and 9:30 a.m. The ride will end up back at the RV campground at approximately 4:30 p.m. with dinner being served beginning at 5 p.m.
“While everybody’s gone on the ride, we start getting everything together and preparing the meal,” said Troutman. “The lowest number of people we’ve ever fed was about 250 and the most we’ve had was close to 600.”
Folks will enjoy a menu consisting of ramps and polish sausage, soup beans and fried bread, cabbage and sausage, macaroni and cheese, fried potatoes, hot dogs and chili with chips, salad and drinks. Dessert will be provided by the Evarts Tourism Committee.
As ramps grow wild, they are not available year round.
“They’re very common in the spring,” Troutman said. “About the only time you can get them is in the early spring. Right now is the best time.”
According to a previous report, the ramp, or wild leek, is a wild onion native to North America. Though the bulb resembles that of a scallion, the flat, broad leaves set it apart. Ramps grow from South Carolina to Canada, and in many areas they’re considered a spring delicacy and even a reason for celebration. West Virginia is well-known for their many festivals and events in celebration of the ramp. The flavor and odor of ramps is usually compared to a combination of onions and garlic, and the garlic odor is particularly strong.
All are invited to attend the event.
“Come out and enjoy a fine meal and the company of many fine people,” said Troutman.
Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-909-4132 or on Twitter @joe_hde.
Photo submitted The 11th annual Ramp Fest kicks off with an ATV ride starting at the North Evarts RV Campground followed by a meal including ramps and polish sausage as well as a range of additional choices.
http://harlandaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_Ramps2.jpg
Photo submitted The 11th annual Ramp Fest kicks off with an ATV ride starting at the North Evarts RV Campground followed by a meal including ramps and polish sausage as well as a range of additional choices.
Annual event attracts folks from all over
By Joe P. Asher
jasher@civitasmedia.com