In brief

Cheese fest scheduled for Saturday MONROE — Monroe’s annual Cheese Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - and rain or shine unless torrential rains and wind occur. In addition to entertainment, rides, vendors, non-profit and civic groups as well as good food from local eateries, the day will feature sports collectibles, martial art demonstrations and performances by dancers from local dancing schools. The event is sponsored by Action in Monroe and civic organizations and local businesses. One of the most popular attractions remains the Monroe Idol contest in which vocalists vie for cash awards. A panel of judges will determine the winners based on the applause from the crowd. Local talent must register before Sept. 10. There also will be music every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Monroe Idol contest begins at 4 p.m. For more information, or to register for the Monroe Idol contest, visit online at http://monroecheesefestival.com. Book Garden storage option MONROE — The Book Garden, run by the Friends of the Monroe Free Library, will be holding a yard sale during the Cheese Festival this weekend. The Book Garden will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the festival, and will be offering a free storage service for purchased books that day. Those who purchase a bag of books for $5, but don’t want to carry it around all day, can leave it at the shop. The Book Garden will be open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. so people can pick up their bags. They can also come in during the Book Garden’s regularly scheduled days on Thursday, from 2 to 5 p.m.; Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to pick up their books. Call 783-4411 for more information. Firehouse tea MONROE — The Lakeside Ladies Auxiliary will hold a tea on Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Lakeside Firehouse on West Mombasha Road from 1 to 3 p.m. The event includes, lunch, dessert and tea and will feature raffles. There will be a presentation on “Bringing Balance through Lifestyle Choices,” featuring the use of oils and minerals. Donation is $15 per adult, and $10 for children under age 12. For tickets and additional information, call 783-9645.