The 2011 version of the Selma Pilgrimage has come to a close. Once again, history was revisited and this year a little history was made.

The grand opening of the Carneal ArtsRevive building Friday and the building’s ribbon cutting on Saturday highlighted the arts events with a packed house and light hearts.

ArtsRevive president Fran Pearce said Friday’s grand opening was a great way to lead into Saturday’s events.

“It was wonderful,” she said. “We were so excited to see everyone there.”

Once again, the home tours also proved to be a huge draw. Bill Smith, who served as a guide during tours of the McPhillips House, said the number of visitors who came from out of town blew him away.

“We had another good Pilgrimage,” he said. “At the McPhillips House alone we had 75 visitors Friday and then another 160 today. It was very nice.”

The visitors came from all over the United States. Bill and Ruth Thompson, who are from Maryland and who were in the area visiting family, said they were very impressed with their Pilgrimage experience.

“The architecture was very interesting,” Bill said. “That’s one of the things I enjoyed most, the architecture and learning about the history. We have a lot of Civil War history where we are from too, so it was interesting to see another area.”

The houses, Ruth said, caught her attention.

“The architecture and designs were beautiful,” she said. “That was my favorite part of the tour. Looking at the different styles of houses.”

Several visitors to the Pilgrimage wrapped up their days at Kenan’s Mill with the Black Belt Paranormal Investigation Team.