Smells Like
Spring!
THE POTENT WILD ONION RETURN
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The West Virginia spring season got off to a particularly festive--and smelly--start on Saturday, April 24, 1999, as the annual Ramp Festival was held in the Elkins City Park. Hundreds turned out to indulge themselves of the unique "spring tonic" known locally as ramps. |
Early mountaineers quickly discovered the benefits of this wild onion after long snowy winters in the hills. Ramps are one of the first greens to pop up through the fresh spring soil. Rich in vitamin C, ramps jump start mountaineers into spring with their potent aroma and robust taste. A highly sought after dinner-staple, ramp patches are guarded with secrecy, lest someone steal your vittles! |
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 LUMBERJACK RESTAURANT COOKS CAME DRESSED FOR THE RAMPAGE |
The Ramp Festival started several years ago and has grown into a spirited display of ramp dishes, decoration and taste-testing. Local businesses, organizations, and media, as well as anyone who can stand the smell of the kitchen, compete in a Ramp Cook-Off. Over 25 cooks participated in this year's cookoff--the most ever for this growing event. Particularly tasty dishes included "Stinky Swirls" (a mixture of ramps, peppers, olives and cream cheese served in a soft flour tortilla), "Green Spring" wilted ramp salad, and "Mongolian Beef and Ramps." |
Taking top honors at this year's five divisions were: China Garden (Best Foreign Flavor); Duke's Restaurant (Restaurant Division); WBTQ B-93 Radio (Media Challenge); Kingsford Charcoal (Industry Challenge); and Citizens National Bank (Bank Challenge). The Best Booth award was given to R2K Bobs with Judy Guye and daughter Monica Guye Varchetto. Most Potent winners WBTQ Radio received a basket filled with toothpaste and mouthwash. The Tasters Choice award went to Due North restaurant for their "Ramp Potato Pancakes." First, second and third place winners were WBTQ Radio with "Honeydipper Ramps;" Joe and Ross Wong with "Stinky Swirls;" and Les and Charlene Ruse with "Robust Ramp Dip," respectively. |
 HOSPICE CARE, INC. DISHED OUT RAMP BEANS AND RICE AS THEY SHOWED THEIR FESTIVE SPIRIT |
 MONICA GUYE VARCHETTO IS A REAL PRO WHEN IT COMES TO RAMP-KABOBS SERVED UP BY HER AND HER MOTHER JUDY GUYE |
For several years the Mountain Bike Rampage has also been held in conjunction with the Festival. Mountain bikers from near and far gather in town to test their skills and compete in the annual bike race. Many local businesses and organizations also hold various ramp dinners throughout the spring. So whether it is a ramp burger, honey-dipped ramps or smelly swirls you prefer, just make sure you get your spring tonic before they're all gone!! |
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