FORT PAYNE, Ala. (AP) - Groundbreaking for a memorial to tornado victims is planned for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum.

Residents, especially family and friends of those lost in the April 27 tornado outbreak, are encouraged to attend the groundbreaking.

Bejan Taheri, who chairs a committee involved with tornado recovery, says volunteers are still needed to work on the monument, especially in the area of block laying, plumbing and electrical work.

Taheri says the hope is that the monument can be completed by April 27, the first anniversary of the devastating storms.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Autumn’s colorful foliage and cooler temperatures in DeKalb County, Ala. provide an ideal setting for a handful of festivals and special events throughout the month of November. Residents and visitors to the area can choose from several family-friendly activities including a celebration at the Little River Canyon Center, a turkey toss, gospel singing, or holiday open houses.

Art, science, nature and fun come together Saturday, November 5, 2011 in celebration of the natural wonder of the Little River Canyon. Canyon Fest offers a day of live music, dance, nature, films, art, activities, and fun for the entire family. Dozens of artists and exhibitors will be on hand offering demonstrations and selling their work. NASA will present a traveling space theater. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and all activities are held at the Little River Canyon Center located at 4322 Little River Trail NE (472 Alabama Highway 35) in Fort Payne.