Kenan's Mill

Kenan’s Mill was built in the mid 1800′s and produced water-ground meal, grits and corn for over 100 years. The grounds also include a fascinating 19th Century brick charcoal kiln. Kenan’s Mill was built and continuously owned by the Kenan family until Elizabeth Kenan Buchanan donated it to the Historic Society in 1997. Restoration is ongoing, and the mill is currently operating on special occasions by the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society. Kenan’s Mill is a great place to take photographs as well as hold your wedding, party, or special occasion.

The Kenan's Mill Festival is a celebration of rural life and traditions in the Black Belt of Alabama takes place at historic Kenan’s Mill outside Selma, Alabama, on Saturday, Nov. 1. The 13th annual Kenan’s Mill Festival will feature live music, stone-ground cornmeal, folk-life demonstrations, arts and crafts vendors and children’s activities.

The fall festival on the banks of Valley Creek will also feature a tractor-pulled hayride, mill tours, Old Mac’s Farm train ride and old-fashioned games. Children can participate in a scavenger hunt, three-legged and sack races as well as face painting. Everyone will want to take a chance to win a delicious cake or cupcakes at the old-fashioned cake walk.

Children who attend the festival can enjoy the Selma Fire Department’s Fire Safety Jump House, and everyone can taste samples of homemade apple cider made by Robert Gordon on an old-fashioned screw-type press. Volunteers from Wannabe Rescued, a non-profit dog rescue in Dallas County, will have a Puppy Kissing Booth to raise money and awareness for their worthy cause. History will be recorded in the Mill House where visitors are encouraged to tell memories of their experiences at Kenan’s Mill through the years.

“We’re excited to add a new band to our lineup,” said Jewell Williamson, SDCHPS President. “Reign is a praise band with a unique sound that the audience will love. You may have heard them at Crosspoint Christian Church or as the closing band for the Duck Dynasty event in Selma.” They will share the stage with crowd favorite Jacky Jack White, award-winning Silverwolf and South City recording artist and songwriter, who has had songs recorded by Ray Stevens, Charley Pride, Buddy Jewell, Steve Wariner and more. As the ringleader, carnival barker and host of The Sucarnochee Revue, Jacky makes it all look easy. His mannerisms, jokes and singing style will entertain all ages. A special treat will be Bill Gamble and friends playing and singing some of your favorite old songs.

The mill will be in action once again. Visitors can see the wheels turn and take home stone-ground cornmeal and grits. A “beehive” kiln is a short walk across the swinging bridge, and vendors with handmade arts and crafts are invited to bring their wares and set up between 7 and 9 a.m. No vendor fee is charged, but donations are welcome.

Once again, lunch and concessions are available on site. Brunswick stew, pulled pork sandwiches, chili, hot dogs, sides, sweets and drinks may be purchased all day at The Vittles Wagon.

“Join us for a trip back to the way life used to be in The Black Belt,” said committee member Candi Duncan. “Bring your whole family and your lawn chairs and spend the day.” Hay bales will be scattered about for extra seating. Handicapped restrooms and parking are also available, and there’s a wheelchair ramp at the mill house.

Gates are open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The mill road entrance is about a mile north of Selma on Summerfield Road (County Road 37). Turn right on the gravel road across the Valley Creek Bridge past the City of Valley Grande sign. Admission is just $5 per person 13 and over. Children 12 and under get in FREE with a paid adult.

For more information, visit kenansmill.com, the Kenan’s Mill Facebook page or call Sylvia Smith at 334-412-0722. The festival is sponsored by the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society.