Gwinnett Daily Post

DULUTH - For decades, the acreage beside Gwinnett Place Mall was cultivated farmland. Next weekend, it will be again, at least in spirit.

Officials have planned FarmFest at McDaniel Farm Park, a day of history, interaction and animals for young and old.

The festival, in its third year, leans on the park's past. The land was used as a farm from the Civil War until years after the mall opened. After it was sold to the county, officials developed a park to resemble its Depression-era heyday as a tenant cotton farm.

Activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday include demonstrations from blacksmiths, quilters and wool spinners as well as hayrides, farm tours and a bluegrass band.

Live animals, including an exhibit of the native snakes of Georgia, will also be a part of the day's festivities.

"We'll have a variety of vendors and activities that everyone in the family can enjoy," said McDaniel Farm Park interpretive historian Alma Segars.

As part of the farm's preservation, one of the original tenant farmhouses on the property has been restored, as well as the barn, well house, chicken coop, buggy shed and blacksmith shed. The McDaniel Farm House features displays in several of the rooms that can be viewed by visitors.

Admission to the festival is $3 per person, with children under age 3 admitted free.

Officials have asked that patrons enter the park, which is located at 3251 McDaniel Road, from the McDaniel Road entrance off Ga. Highway 120.

For more information, call 770-814-4920.