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Spring will be ‘Ramp’ing up at Mason-Dixon Park

By Dave Zuchowski. For The Greene County Messenger 4 min read
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It’s that time of year again when growing things keep popping out of the ground.

We have already seen the arrival of daffodils, dandelions, hyacinths, crocuses, tulips and forsythia. Now we are in store for one of nature’s tastiest greens – the often-maligned, but even more often-appreciated, ramp.

In the same family as onions, garlic, chives, leeks and shallots, the ramp can be found this time of year in area woods and are free for the pickin,’ provided you don’t trespass on someone’s property looking for them.

You can save yourself a lot of time and trouble and still get your fill of these tasty greens at this year’s 28th annual Mason-Dixon Ramp Festival, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29.

Some of the yummy treats available for purchase (there is no entrance fee to the festival) that use the assertive-flavored vegetable in their preparation include ramp burgers, ramp salad, fried potatoes and ramps, beer-battered, deep-fried ramps, ramp and potato soup, macaroni salad and sweet Italian sausage with or without ramps.

There will be fresh ramps on the tables, Dash O’ Ramps seasoning made from dried ramps and complimentary tastings of ramp wine and dandelion wine will also be sampled.

For those with delicate palates, the menu will stray from the star vegetable of the day with offerings of items like pepperoni rolls, sweet sausage sandwiches, Mason-Dixon dogs with a choice of cheese, chili, cole slaw, onion and ramps, kettle korn, funnel cakes, Uncle Jim’s donuts, fresh squeezed lemonade and Ted’s fudge.

Early risers can enjoy a biscuit and gravy and breakfast sandwich start of their day prepared by “Diane.” Patrons will even be able to attend church services at the festival at an open air service that starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday with Pastor Wanda Brosky.

Veterans and their spouses might want to take note that they will be able to eat and drink free of charge both days in the Pavilion.

The festival will also spotlight the work of regional artisans and crafters with a variety of musical groups performing live on the Cabin Stage. Event volunteer Connie Ammons has already assembled an interesting list of crafters and demonstrators, including chainsaw carver Tom Hritz of Waynesburg, blacksmith Gary Shriver, Scentsy candles, leather and leather crafts, Ken’s wooden toys, Gary’s Woodworks, trapping supplies from Trapper Paul’s Supply House and Hillbilly spin art.

Stewart’s Greenhouse will also bring in for sale a mix of plants, lavender and herbs.

“We’ll also have wood burning stove inserts, Autumn’s soaps and skin care products, magnetic jewelry, Sonny’s peppers, Statler’s baked goods, honey, Margaret’s jams and jellies and hard tack and filled cupcakes,” Ammons said.

During the festival, the Daughters of the American Revolution will collect donations for this December’s Wreaths Across America program, which honors military veterans by placing a wreath on their grave for the holidays.

Attendees can also take home a reminder of the pleasant memories of the day by purchasing a ramp T-shirt and cap.

Toe tapping live music will fill the air and make both days more festive.

Saturday’s line up includes Matt Sherman at 10 a.m., Roger Cutright at 11 a.m., Pastor Al at noon, Shane Masters at 1 p.m., Nic of Tyme at 2 p.m. and the 501 Band from 3 to 5 p.m.

On Sunday, the music starts at 11 a.m. with Matt Sherman followed by Roger Cutright at noon, Rockin’ Al Anderson at 2 p.m. and the 501 Band from 3 to 5 p.m.

Ramps are usually edible from now through mid-May when they begin drying up. By the end of May, they’re done till the following spring, so get them while you can.

To attend the event, take Interstate 79 to Exit 1 at Mt. Morris, then travel to Buckeye Road and then to Creek Road, and then a half-mile to Mason-Dixon Park, on the Pennsylvania side.

For more information, call 304-879-5500, email keeperoftheland@aol.com, or visit the website www.masondixonpark.net.

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