Ramp Fest

Ramp Fest is The Land Connection’s annual Spring Fundraiser, inspired by the wild ramp, allium tricocum, which is the first edible green to come up each spring, and which Chicago was named after.

RampFest 2008 was our 4th annual event, and a great success. Over 200 attendees helped us raise nearly $25,000. All funds are going directly to support our mission of conserving farmland and training new farmers.

All the ramps for the occasion were donated by Kris and Marty Travis, the stewards of Spence Farm. The ramps were transformed into a mouth-watering array of spectacular dishes created especially for the event by:

• Chef Dean Zanella, 312 Chicago
• Chef Paul Virant, Vie Restaurant
• Chef Paul Kahan, Blackbird Restaurant
• Chefs Jason Hammel and Amalea Tshilds, Lula Café
• Chef Jeff Muldrow, Va Pensiero
• Greg Christian, Greg Christian Catering

As always, our organic farmer auctioneer, Larry Wettstein, was a highlight of the evening.

Ramp Fest has rapidly gained in popularity over these past four years.

This year's event sold out two weeks ahead of time, and gained substantial media coverage. This year we were featured on Steve Dolinsky's Hungry Hound show on ABC-TV, on WBEZ's 848, and in the Chicago Tribune.

Mark Your Calendar for Ramp Fest 2009!

To make sure we can accommodate you and all your friends, we will be holding our 5th Annual Ramp Fest on April 3, 2009 at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Until then, enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of the season, and stay tuned for our next events, a Summer Abundance Dinner, and a Fall Harvest Celebration.

Thank you for helping us raise funds to establish successful farmers on healthy farmland, ensuring an abundance of delicious, local, and organic foods.