CLINTON - One day of tasting apple and pork treats, learning historic skills, browsing through an extensive flea market, and shopping at the annual Apple & Pork Festival just isn't enough for Mally Hickmin and her family. | Photo gallery

"We have a full day both days," said her mom, Denise Hickmin of Clinton, of the weekend event which began Saturday. "It's a tradition," added Mally.

The 11-year-old learned how to make rope on the grounds of the C.H. Homestead in Clinton, also known as the DeWitt County Museum.

The Hickmins are among many who return year after year for the festival, which marks the turn of seasons for many. People dressed in shorts and T-shirts watch chugging steam engines, saw grain ground into flour and choose gourds for fall decorating.

Virgil Gibson, 89, is another regular, having been involved with the festival since it started 39 years ago. Gibson stirred large kettles of ham and beans over a fire with a wooden paddle as people waited in line for a taste of the popular festival food.

Cooking the 30 pounds of ham hocks, 50 pounds of beans, and secret ingredients in each kettle starts at 5 a.m, each day, Gibson said. By the end of the weekend, Gibson and about 20 volunteers will hand out more than 5,000 servings.

"We'll probably run out today," Gibson said Saturday looking at the size of the crowd enjoying the sunny, breezy day. More will be ready today.

Last year, about 60,000 people attended the festival, and some years more than 100,000 spread out across the 10-acre event.

Apple cider floats, apple butter tarts, cider, ham sandwiches, pork rinds and gingerbread cookies are among the food available on the grounds, and other food choices are available in town.

Gingerbread cookies are among the favorites. They are baked in Waynesville and decorated on site. The Waynesville Women's Club, two churches, and the American Legion branch there all share in the effort.

Money raised helps two youth groups, families at Christmas, and people in crisis in Waynesville, said Patty Klemm, a Waynesville volunteer who doled out cookies.

The festival originally started in 1968 to restore a house on the Moore Homestead property, but has grown to support more than 25 non-profit groups in Dewitt County, said Larry Buss, the homestead's resident manager.

"Some groups make enough in two days to support their projects for the year," Buss said.

Demonstrations some years included carousel horse making, and candle dipping, Buss said. However, last year, the yard was almost empty because it is difficult to get volunteers who can demonstrate traditional skills.

The festival continues today until 5 p.m.

Apple 'n Pork Festival

What: Food booths, juried art show, flea market, scarecrow contest, antique tractor and farm machinery exhibits petting, zoo, pony rides,

When: 9 am. to 5 p.m. today, Sunday

Where: The grounds of C.H. Moore Homestead (north edge of Clinton) on Business Route 51

What Else: Transportation to and from city parking lots $2; Admission to festival and flea market is free; Nearby parking lots $4 to $5. Parking along roadside.