Things to do around Monroe this week

~ Stop by the Historic Cheesemaking Center at 4 pm for the groundbreaking for their newest addition: a farmstead cheese plant that is being restored after sitting dormant for nearly 100 years. This is an exciting addition to the Center, and should be ready to host live demonstrations of cheesemaking in the late 1800 to early 1900s later this year.

~ Bring your picnic dinner and lawn chair to Monroe's Downtown Square on Thursday evening for the Concert on the Square. Spare Time Bluegrass Band is playing this time, with the music starting at 6:30. If you prefer not to pack your own dinner, order a boxed supper from one of the Downtown restaurants. There will be a beer garden raising funds for the Green County Humane Society.

~ This weekend is the Heidi Festival in New Glarus. The festivities get underway on Friday and run through Sunday. Grab a meal at the Lions Club BBQ or the Taste of New Glarus, browse the arts and crafts fair or local merchants, enjoy a wagon ride or listen to (or dance to!) the music at this traditional small town festival. The Dairy Days parade is on Saturday with the crowning of the New Glarus dairy queen.

~ Join local bicycling enthusiasts this Saturday evening for a ride on the Badger State Trail. How does Stewart Tunnel look in the moonlight?? Meet at the Monticello Trail Head at Cty EE along the east edge of the village. Time: 7:30 pm; Pace: 10-12 mph; Distance 10 miles. Co-sponsored by the Bombay Bicycle Club and the Friends of the Badger State Trail.

~ The Friends of the Badger State Trail are also sponsoring a smart cycling class on Sunday. The free class will cover topics like fixing a flat, bicycle safety checks,on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques. Meet at the Monroe trail head by Twining Park at 9 am. A trail pass is required ($4).

~ It must be a safety focused weekend here in Green County. Monroe Area Skate Enthusiasts are hosting their 3rd Annual Skate Board Clinic on Saturday from 1-4 pm at Honey Creek Skate Park (rain date is July 10). This event is sponsored by Monroe Park & Rec, organized and conducted by MASE. All participants must have a safety helmet and pads to participate in this free camp. Ages 7 and up.

~ Children of all ages! The Zor Shrine Circus is coming to town this Saturday as well. Bring the kids to enjoy the show at the Green County Fairgrounds in Monroe. There are two shows: 4:30 and 7:30 pm. Free tickets for children can be found at many area businesses and public libraries.

~ For next week, don't miss the Pork Producers Pig Out on Wednesday evening. Pick up your dinner, dine in or drive up, at SLICE from 4:30 until 8:30 pm.

~ Also next week, Monroe Theatre Guild's production of Music Man opens on Friday evening. Pick up advance tickets to the show at the box office at the STAGE building or by calling 325-1111.

~ Finally, don't forget about the area Farmers Markets.

• The new market in Monticello kicks off this week on Friday starting at 2:30. The Sugar River Market will take place on Tuesday and Fridays through October from 2:30 to 6:30 across from Lake Montesian.
  
• The Monroe Market on the Square takes place on Wednesdays from 2 to 5:30 pm and Saturdays from 8 until 1 on the north side of the Square.
  
• Belleville's Farmer's Market opened last weekend. It is in the library park on Wednesdays from 2 to 6 and Saturdays from 8 until noon.
• The market in Darlington is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am until 7 pm at the fair grounds.
• The Paoli market opens in June, and takes place in the park on Wednesdays from 3 until 6 and Saturdays from 9 until 1.