IF YOU GOWhat: Ramp-digging excursion to Nantahala National Forest, N.C.When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday (rain date: Thursday).Where: Depart from Polk County Courthouse, Highway 411, Benton, Tenn.Phone: 423-338-4503 (reservations recommended).Website: www.polkagextension.com/ramppage.html
GREASY CREEK, Tenn - Polk County celebrates Allium tricoccum - the ramp - with a little digging, cooking and eating during next week's Ramp Tramp Festival.
The ramp, a wild member of the lily family that grows in the mountains and smells of onion and garlic, has brought folks near and far to Polk County for over half a century.
"The festival has a family-reunion atmosphere," said Greg Paxton, director of the Polk County Agricultural Extension Service, which sponsors the festival with Polk County 4-H Clubs.
The festival will be held April 29-30 at Camp McCroy, Polk County's 4-H camp in Greasy Creek. It begins with Bluegrass & Beans that Friday night. The main event begins at 10 a.m. that Saturday with three bluegrass bands and an expanded menu.
Paxton said he expects 15 to 20 vendors of handmade crafts such as quilts, carved wood and jewelry to attend the festival.
For folks who want to really dig into the experience, the extension office has arranged for an actual ramp-digging excursion to Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina for Wednesday (Thursday in case of rain).
Paxton explained that a caravan will leave the Polk County Courthouse in Benton at 8 a.m. Wednesday and will return at 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
He also said the festival needs volunteers to clean and cook the collected ramps between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. April 29.
Contact Paul Leach at paulrleach3@gmail.com or 423-310-1300