Flag Pond Ruritan's Ramp Festival returns May 9

It's spring in the mountains around Flag Pond. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing and ramps are emerging. The annual appearance of the green leaves of ramps on the woodland floor is a sure signal that the return of the Flag Pond Ruritan Club's annual Ramp Festival is drawing closer. This year marks the 41st occurrence of the festival. The one-day event serves as a celebration not only of the unique wild ramp, a relative of garlic and onions, but in more general terms, a way to also welcome spring to the community. Flag Pond Ruritan President Lonnie Harris, a lifelong Unicoi County resident, explained that the annual event stems from a community traditions that he has been a part of since the festival began. "When the ramps came in season, everyone went and got a bunch," Harris said. "They'd get the family together and decided to have a big meal with the ramps." Ramps are a commodity throughout the Appalachian Mountains, but they are especially abundant in Northeast Tennessee. This has drawn people to come and harvest them from public lands for as long as people have inhabited the area. While the ramp-inspired meal is the highlight of the festival, Harris said that it's something else that makes the event so special to him. "To be able to have something the community enjoys and getting to see new people," Harris said. "And letting people that have never tried ramps, give them a try." Ruritan Club Secretary Anita Leger said that the ramps are in full growth and ready to be plucked. "The ramps are up now," she said. "In fact, if I look out my front window, I can see them popping out all over the mountain." Leger said that people have already began foraging for them, mentioning that a couple of restaurants over the mountain are even offering special dishes featuring ramps. There are many ways to cook and prepare ramps, as well as a lot of dishes that feature ramps as an ingredient, but Harris has a personal favorite. "Probably the fried potatoes and ramps," Harris said when asked how he likes his ramps. "I like mine fried crispy more than I do sauteed." Don't worry if you're not an enjoyer of ramps and are reluctant to try them – there will be hamburgers and hot dogs on hand at the event as well. As far as what else to expect at the festival, Harris said it's more than just food and will be filled with good times. "We're going to have some good music, some bluegrass and country," Harris said. "We've got line and square dancers too." Harris said that the festival, more than anything else, provides a way to connect with friends and community members that people haven't seen in a while, while also continuing an area tradition. The festival and donations received during it help the Ruritan continue its charitable giving, according to Harris. Last year, the Ruritan presented a scholarship to a Unicoi County High School student, provided school supplies to students at Temple Hill Elementary, gave gas cards to families traveling in order to help care for sick loved ones and much more. Anyone unable to attend the festival can still donate to help Ruritan projects. Mail donations to: Flag Pond Ruritan Club, 110 Schoolhouse Road, Flag Pond, TN 37657. Checks should be made payable to: Flag Pond Ruritan. For additional information, call (423) 794-6093. This year's Ramp Festival takes place starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the old Flag Pond School located at 917 Old Asheville Highway, Flag Pond.