Ramps, a spring delicacy, have the flavor and aroma of strong garlic.Polk County will celebrate 55 years of ramps during the 2013 Ramp Tramp Festival, which culminates this weekend at the Polk County 4-H Camp (Camp McCroy) in the Greasy Creek community near Reliance, Tenn.
Earlier this week, volunteers made the "ramp tramp" into the mountains to gather the ramps, which are comparable to wild onions.
The festival kicks off Friday night, April 26, with Bluegrass and Beans. A meal of white beans, fried potatoes, cornbread and raw ramps will be served, while County Line and The Fredonia Bluegrass Band provide bluegrass and gospel music.
The main event kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27, with a flag-raising ceremony by area veterans and music by Whistle Stop Bluegrass. The band will be followed by Playing on the Planet at 11 a.m., New Day at 12:30 p.m. and Reliance at 1:30 p.m.
The traditional meal of ramps in eggs, streaked meat, white beans, cornbread and potatoes will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children under 12. Hot dogs also will be available.
Vendors will have handmade crafts for sale, and door prizes will be given away during the day.
Also presented will be the traditional awards for oldest, youngest, largest family and the visitor who traveled the farthest distance to attend.
Proceeds go toward operation and maintenance of the camp, which is 21/2 miles off Highway 64 on Highway 30 between Ocoee and Ducktown. For more information, call 423-338-4503 or visit ramptrampfestival.com.