CHINA GROVE — A fund raiser is planned Saturday for a $350,000 restoration of the China Grove Roller Mill.

The newly renamed Historical Society of South Rowan will host the event at 7 p.m. Saturday at the China Grove Community Memorial Center.

The buffet dinner and social hour is the second event in a year-long campaign to pay for major renovations and construction at the mill on North Main Street.

Opened in 1883, the mill operated for 100 years and was China Grove’s oldest business when it closed in 1996. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The China Grove Historical Society purchased the mill in 1996.

Architect Bill Burgin of Salisbury has completed the plans for the third phase.

Barbara Doby, chairman of the Roller Mill project, said it will include removal of old grain bins, construction of classrooms and a meeting room area.

There will also be the addition of a kitchen and bathrooms.

Phase 3 will complete the transformation of the mill to a community facility that can be used as an education center as well as for a number of community events.

The South Rowan Future Farmers of American and the schools’ agriculture staff are working with the Historical Society to develop an educational program.

Under the plan, FFA members would conduct classes and tours of the mill.

The focus will be on agriculture and on the history of the south Rowan and northern Cabarrus area.

A mini-farm museum will be included featuring old farm tools. The museum will eventually be opened to the public.

Current plans call for construction to start next September.

In addition to a series of fund raisers, the Society is aksi seeking grants from private foundations.

The Society has already raised $107,000 and spent about half of that on the first phases of the restoration and renovation.

The Society hopes to get donations from individuals and businesses for the project.

A kick-off for the Phase 3 effort was held on Farmers Day in July.

This Saturday’s fund-raiser will feature a buffet dinner with music by Freddie Casstevens of Boonville.

Door prizes will be awarded at 8:30 p.m.

Those planning to attend should call Doby at 855-8329 or 857-7177.