Second annual Monroe Idol contest just part of Cheese Festival musical lineup

Monroe - If you think you are the next Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood, stop by the Monroe village or town halls for details on how to compete in the second annual Monroe Idol contest to be held during the Monroe Cheese Festival, Saturday, Sept. 8. Participants need to audition before the event so their song can be properly prepared and to make the competition as professional as possible. This year, like last, the Monroe Police Benevolent Association has donated $500 to be split up into cash prizes for the winners. The Idol competition, scheduled to be held at 5 p.m. at the main stage, is just one entry in a daylong roster of performances by area residents. Other highlights include the Blue Note Connection, a jazz and big band ensemble made up of present Monroe-Woodbury students (1 p.m.); M-W High School physics teacher Bob Ship and the Grateful Band will provide a Beatles tribute (3 p.m.); and a tribute to the Rolling Stones by Lou Albero and Plan A is on the bill at 4 p.m. Demonstrations by Terpsichore Dance School, Sheahan Gormley Irish Step Dancing School and the Art of Belly Dancing by Sarah also are scheduled. Meanwhile, the meadow across from Airplane Park will be the sight for the kite-flying event between 10:30 and 11 a.m. The welcome service, Cordially Yours, will distributing kites free of charge the morning of the event - while supplies last - at its booth. Donations also will be accepted for the playground equipment at Airplane Park. And yes, despite the reports to the contrary, there is cheese at the Monroe Cheese Festival. Every year, the hospitality tent in front of Village Hall serves complimentary cheese. This year, the festival committee will showcase “cheeses of New York.” For more information on the Cheese Festival, visit the Web site at www.monroecheesefestival.com.