Polk County

Ramp Tramp Festival

 

 

April 23 - 26, 2008

 

What is a "Ramp"?
    A ramp is a wild plant that grows in a mountainous regions in the eastern United States.  The ramp is a member of the lily family.  The scientific name is Allium tricoccum.  It's flat leaves grow from the ground in the spring and then die.  Later, the plant has flowering stems with greenish white flowers.  The smell of the ramp is best described as an onion and garlic mix.  Although sometimes found in the valley regions, the ramp is mostly found at land elevation of 3000 feet or higher.

Click to see Ramps

 

 

Festival History:   

    The Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival was held for many years atop Big Frog Mountain in Polk County, Tennessee.  Participants would gather for the hike up Big Frog for which the name Ramp Tramp was given.  Participants would spend part of the day "Tramping" up the side on Big Frog Mountain.  At the journeys end the group would dig the ramps and prepare a ramp lunch.  At the days end the group would "Tramp" back down the mountain.  The Ramp Tramp became an on site festival when it was moved to the 4-H Camp in the Greasy Creek Community.  Today many people come to enjoy the Ramp Lunch prepared at the 4-H Camp.   For those who still enjoy the "Tramping" up the mountain to gather the ramps a group digs the ramps a few days before the lunch is prepared.  Today the Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival is a tradition that combines a unique favored meal, bluegrass music, and fun fellowship.

 

 

Ramp Festival Photos:  

 

 

Click to see Photos of Last Year’s Festival.  

 

Festival Schedule of Events:

Digging the Ramps = NEW DATE!   Wednesday, April 23rd  (Rain Date Thursday, April 24th) 

    Put on your hiking boots and hike up into the mountains and help start the festival by participating in the annual Ramp Dig.  This is an all day event.  Meet at the Polk County Courthouse at 8:00 A.M. both days, lunch will be provided.  Reserve your digging spot by calling the Polk County Extension Service at 423-338-4503.

Preparing the Ramps = Friday, April 25th

    After digging the ramps volunteers will be needed to clean them in preparation for the festival meal.  From 10:00 A.M. till 3:00 P.M. volunteers will enjoy fun and fellowship while the ramps are cleaned and cornbread is prepared.  This takes place at the Polk County 4-H Camp in the Greasy Creek community. At 7:00 P.M. you can enjoy bluegrass music while you consume a bowl of white beans, cornbread, and raw ramps.

The Ramp Tramp Festival = Saturday, April 26th

    Spend the day enjoying bluegrass music and old time fellowship while enjoying a meal of fried ramps in eggs, fried potatoes, streaked meat, white beans, and corn bread.

10:00 A.M. = Flag Raising Ceremony by the Polk County Veterans

10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. = Ramp Lunch

10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. = Craft Venders, Bluegrass, Country, and Gospel Music!

12:00 Noon = Welcome by U.S. Forest Service Ranger and Polk County Executive, Awards for oldest, youngest, largest family, and the one traveling the farthest to attend.

 

 

The Polk County 4-H Camp is located 2 1/2 miles off Hwy. 64 on Hwy. 30
Between Ocoee and Ducktown
No Alcoholic Beverages Allowed!

 

The Polk County Ramp Festival is sponsored by the
Polk County 4-H Clubs and Polk County Agricultural Extension Service.

 

For more information contact the Polk County Agricultural Extension Service at 423-338-4503 or E-Mail CDR Agent R. Greg Paxton