The Ramp Tramp is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week.

The 50th Annual Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival will be held Saturday, April 26, at Camp McCroy 4-H Camp in Greasy Creek. Proceeds go the Polk County 4-H Camp.

Digging the ramps will take place Wednesday, April 23 (new date) with Thursday as a rain day. 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. Interested diggers should meet at the Polk County Courthouse at 8 A.M.; 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 A.M. till 3 P.M. Friday, April 25, 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

A 50th annual celebration is scheduled for 7 P.M. Friday. You can enjoy bluegrass music by County Line while you consume a bowl of white beans, cornbread, and raw ramps. There will be a special photo presentation of past Ramp Tramp Festivals. Free 50th Ramp Tramp Cake will be served.

The Ramp Tramp Festival will be Saturday, April 26. 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. The Flag Raising Ceremony by the Polk County Veterans will be at 10:00 A.M. The Ramp Lunch will be served from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M.

The day will feature Bluegrass and Gospel Music all day, featuring Wolf Creek Bluegrass, Joe Lewis and Come My Way Ministries, and Lucille & the Wash Tub Band. Local Crafters will display and sell their craft items, including baby quilts, homemade soap and lotions, handmade jewelry, baskets, pillows, etc. Crafts booths are still available call 423-338-4503 to reserve a booth.

At noon will be the official Welcome by Polk County Executive Mike Stinnett. There will be awards for oldest, youngest, largest family, and the one traveling the farthest to attend.

New this year is a Ramp Eating Contest!

In celebration of the 50th year, anyone turning 50 years old or driving a 1950's model vehicle will eat free. Door prizes will be given away throughout the day.

For more information about the Polk County Ramp Festival, call the Extension office at 338-4503 or visit the Ramp Festival Web Site at: www.polkagextension.com/ramppage.html