BUCKHANNON – It’s almost time for everyone’s favorite, flavor-filled spring fare – ramps.

As the Upshur County Public Library’s 27th annual Ramp Dinner approaches, organizers are preparing to offer both dine-in and carry-out options.

UCPL director Paul Norko said the dinner, dubbed ‘An Appalachian Extravaganza,’ will take place from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 22 at the Event Center at Brushy Fork.

“The main reason for the venue change was because we want to offer both dine-in and carry-out options, and we weren’t sure what COVID was going to be doing,” Norko said. “The event center offers room for 432 people in terms of seating, so much more space for us and for people to spread out if they still feel a little hesitant to be near each other.”

Both dine-in and carry-out meals will be available from 5 to 8 p.m., but tickets must be purchased in advance – by Sunday, April 17.

“To purchase tickets, you can give the library a call at 304-473-4219 and select extensions 10 or 14 during regular library hours or you can go online, where we have an Eventbrite link on our website and on our Facebook page posts we’ve been sharing,” Norko said.

Tickets are $25 a person and $12.50 for children under 12; library hours are 9 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Fridays; and 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Norko said the dinner is integral to operations at the library.

“This is our major fundraiser,” he said. “We have started doing a few smaller ones, but this is by far the biggest one we have. We actually just got a whole bunch of [ARPA] grant funds, so we’re coming up with new projects to put funds toward, so we don’t really have any specific plans at the moment.”

Plus, the food is always excellent, he said, complimenting Fish Hawk Acres owner and chef Dale Hawkins.

“The food is going to be delicious because, Dale Hawkins at Fish Hawk Acres is the one preparing it, and we just hope to see everyone in the library,” Norko said. “We’re looking pretty good in terms of ticket sales, but it’s still a little early. Most people tend to wait until at least April, but we’re hoping to get a bigger crowd than ever.”

Don’t love ramps? You can still support the library by purchasing a ‘no ramps’ meal (menu detailed below).

Menu items for the Upshur County Public Library’s 27th Annual Ramp Dinner: