MONROE - There was more to sample than just food Saturday at the Taste of Monroe.
For five hours, Monroe residents and visitors filled the Square for a chance to sample fare of area restaurants.
The Taste of Monroe, sponsored by The Swiss Colony, brought out Porkies, the Historic Cheesemakers, Suisse Haus and Turner Hall, to name a few.
People lined up en masse to purchase food tickets.
But it wasn't all for turtle cream puffs and deep-fried cheese curds. Turner Hall, for example, offered a healthy choice of salad with raspberry dressing.
Still, downtown businesses like Chocolate Temptations and Ruf's Confectionery were favorite spots for many.
Live music from the Swiss Colony Stage dominated the afternoon as Horsefeathers, Raindogs and Fedora entertained festival goers.
About 80 artisans and crafters were busy under their tents, selling rugs, baskets, dresses, wooden items, garden decorations, posters and jewelry.
Bringing many people to the Square was the Ninth Annual Spring in Monroe Car Show.
Vintage vehicles, restored inside and out to their shining days of glory, lined the Square. Some with their hoods open coaxed car enthusiasts, wishing for the time when gas was not so expensive, to take a closer look.
But some people were just people watching, as three local teens sitting on the sidewalk said. Other people watched the event from the vantage point of the Courthouse porches.
For five hours, Monroe residents and visitors filled the Square for a chance to sample fare of area restaurants.
The Taste of Monroe, sponsored by The Swiss Colony, brought out Porkies, the Historic Cheesemakers, Suisse Haus and Turner Hall, to name a few.
People lined up en masse to purchase food tickets.
But it wasn't all for turtle cream puffs and deep-fried cheese curds. Turner Hall, for example, offered a healthy choice of salad with raspberry dressing.
Still, downtown businesses like Chocolate Temptations and Ruf's Confectionery were favorite spots for many.
Live music from the Swiss Colony Stage dominated the afternoon as Horsefeathers, Raindogs and Fedora entertained festival goers.
About 80 artisans and crafters were busy under their tents, selling rugs, baskets, dresses, wooden items, garden decorations, posters and jewelry.
Bringing many people to the Square was the Ninth Annual Spring in Monroe Car Show.
Vintage vehicles, restored inside and out to their shining days of glory, lined the Square. Some with their hoods open coaxed car enthusiasts, wishing for the time when gas was not so expensive, to take a closer look.
But some people were just people watching, as three local teens sitting on the sidewalk said. Other people watched the event from the vantage point of the Courthouse porches.