Annual Ramp Festival in Greene County set for April
It won’t be long before those tasty, onion-like ramps begin sprouting out of the ground. To celebrate all things ramp, the folks at Mason-Dixon Park, located two miles southwest of Mt. Morris in Greene County, are planning the 29th Annual Ramp Festival, taking place April 27 and 28.
“Each year, we draw between 250 and 300 visitors each day of the festival,” said Connie Ammons, a volunteer at the park, just off Creek Road. “Last year, we had about 25 crafters and 10 food vendors. This year, we’re looking for more.”
Popular vendors who return annually include Dash O’ Ramps, which sells seasoning made from dried ramps, Mason-Dixon Dogs, Sonny’s Peppers, Statler’s Baked Goods, Uncle Jim’s Donuts, which will also offer funnel cakes, Rozy’s Peppers, Ted’s Fudge, which is also serving fresh squeezed lemonade, Margaret’s Jams and Jellies, CJ’s Confections and Kirkwood Winery, which will provide complimentary tastings of ramp and dandelion wine.
Already on the roster of new vendors are JD’s Kettle Korn, Family Roots Farm Maple Syrup, which makes cotton candy and other maple products, Sucker Punch Gourmet Sauces and Country Roads Candle Company.
Crafters planning to attend this year’s festival include Ken’s Wooden Toys, GLM Woodworks, Trapper Paul’s Supply House, Hillbilly Spin Art, Angels R Designs, Grady’s Ivory, Magnetic Jewelry, Autumn’s, which sells soaps and skin care products and Tom Hritz, a chainsaw carver. Fish’s Shining Time will also be on-site selling “mountain man” items like powder measures made of antler for muzzle loaders, leather bags, antler whistles, antler ink pens and hunting knives.
“We’re looking for food vendors and crafters with a country style product,” Ammons said.
The cost of a weekend space at the festival is $20, although Ammons said the price is negotiable, depending on the featured product. The space comes with electric hookups for the food vendors, which don’t necessarily have to be ramp oriented. All vendors must be set up by 8 a.m. Saturday, April 27. Those wishing to set up early can stop by the park from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 24.
“Vendors should bring their own canopies, tables and chairs,” Ammons said.
Starting at 8:30 a.m. and continuing throughout the festival, vendors and attendees can enjoy a Festival Platter breakfast with biscuits and gravy, fried potatoes, scrambled eggs and iced tea or coffee prepared by Diana Bonnell. The cost of the platter is $5.
To apply to be either a vendor or a crafter, mail your name, address, phone number and type of product or craft, along with a $20 check, to Connie Ammons at 73 Cosgray Run Road, Core, WV26541. Make checks payable to Mason-Dixon Park. Applications must be received by April 10.
For more information, call 304-879-5500.