VALLEY GRANDE — Kenan’s Mill will celebrate the Year of Food with the 11th annual Kenan’s Mill Fall Festival on Saturday, Nov. 3.

The festival’s focus will be on the mill itself, chairman Sylvia Smith said.

“The mill itself was built around 1863,” she said. “There used to be a lot of mills, but are hardly any of them left any more, and [the festival is] a chance to see one operate.”

Festival goers will have the opportunity to see stone-ground cornmeal, grits and an apple-cider making demonstration.

Besides learning about the history of the mill and seeing how it works, guests can participate in various games, crafts and hayrides Saturday afternoon.

Children who attend the festival can enjoy the Selma Fire Department’s Fire Safety Jump House and the little train from Old Mac’s Farm from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy various bluegrass music groups and local food.

There will be barbecue, chili, hot dogs, Hoppin’ John, cornbread, hot and cold beverages as well as multiple sides and sweets.

“People bring their folding chairs and find a spot in front of the band stand and listen to bluegrass and pretty much will spend most of the day out there, and then get up and tour the mill when they feel like it,” Smith said. “They can see some corn ground. They can walk across the old swinging bridge. Once they’re in, it’s no extra charge for activities.”

The cost for the festival is $5 at the gate for adults. Children under 12 get in free.

“It’s just a beautiful place,” Smith said. “It’s very close to Selma, but when you’re out there you feel like you’re way far away out in the country or something.”

Kenan’s Mill is located one mile north of Selma on Dallas County Road 37 (Summerfield Road). Gates are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.