Apr 22, 2014 1 min read

MT. MORRIS – This weekend, spring will prove it’s here at last by offering up countless bushels of freshly picked ramps to be cleaned, cooked and served at the Mason Dixon Park Ramp Festival in Mt. Morris.

This oniony, broad-leafed wonder is the pioneer spring tonic that has become a celebration of spring at countless regional festivals in the hills of Appalachia. Ramps grow profusely in these damp woodlands and are the star of the festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Here you can sample ramp pancakes, hamburgers, hash browns, salads, beans and ham, biscuits and gravy, batter deep-fried ramps and even ramped-up wines and jellies. It’s possible the only food that doesn’t have ramps tucked away in it somewhere is freshly made donuts.

Ramp chefs will be cooking on-site and raffles will happen throughout both days. Crafters, re-enactors, antique machines and local musicians will rub elbows with historic-craft demonstrations and backwoods fun and games.

To get to the festival, follow the signs from Mt. Morris exit I-79 to Buckeye Road to Creek Road.

For more information call Connie Amons at 304-879-5500, 304-879-5372, or email keeperoftheland@aol.com.