The N.C. Big Sweep is recruiting volunteers for this year's waterway cleanup, which is scheduled from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Participants may choose their own site or go to a designated site. Big Sweep will provide supllies. To volunteer in Johnston County, contact Susan Woodard at 934-7156, Ext. 3, or at susan.woodard@nc.nacdnet.net.

GOP to meet

The Johnston County Republican Party will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the White Swan annex, 3156 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield. For more information, call Andrew Tyree at 919-634-0015.

Patriots' Day

A "Patriots' Day" tea party is scheduled from 5 till 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, in front of the courthouse on Market Street in downtown Smithfield. The event will feature speakers talking about health care. Those attending are encouraged to bring U.S. flags, wear patriotic shirts and carry posters. The best poster will win a prize.

Benefit breakfast

A pancake breakfast is scheduled from 7 till 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Applebee's on North Bright Leaf Boulevard in Smithfield. The cost is $7 per person, with proceeds going to the American Red Cross of Johnston County.

Donations sought

Harbor Inc. is seeking donations for its Pizazz thrift stores in Smithfield and Clayton. The Smithfield store is at 721 N. Bright Leaf Blvd. Drop hours there are 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. Saturdays. The Clayton store is at 132 E. Main St. Drop hours there are 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. till 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. Saturdays.

JCC Arboretum

The Arboretum at Johnston Community College has announced its 2009-2010 lecture series. First up, on Aug. 27, is a tour of Elodie Farms in Bahama. Owner Dave Artigues offers cheeses and monthly gourmet dinners from area chefs. The tour, including lunch, is $25. To register, call Lin Frye at 209-2052 or Minda Daughtry at 209-2184.

Contestants sought

The Micro Volunteer Fire Department is seeking contestants for its first pageant on Sept. 26. The pageant will crown two queens - Princess for ages 5-7 and Queen for ages 15-18. The pageant's goal is to promote fire safety and raise money for the fire department. The cost to enter is $100, and the pageant is seeking sponsors. To learn more, call Stacy Lawson at 524-6033.

Holiday trash

Because of the Labor Day holiday, the Town of Smithfield will move Sept. 7 garbage collection to Sept. 9.

Entertainers sought

Keep Johnston County Beautiful is seeking entertainers for its fifth annual Festival of Trees, which will be held Dec. 4-10 in Smithfield. The group is seeking choirs, youth choruses, school bands, soloists, duets and groups. If you or your group would like to perform, call Mary Britt at 934-6276.

Memory expert

Dave Farrow, the Guinness record holder for memory, will speak from 1 till 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, in the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium at Johnston Community College, 245 College Road, Smithfield. For the world record, Farrow memorized and recalled in order every card in a randomly shuffled deck of 59 cards. The cost is $60. To register, call 209-2168.

Food festival

An international food festival is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. till 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at St. Ann Catholic Church on U.S. 70 Business between Smithfield and Clayton. The festival will feature food from 15 countries, including Greece, Italy, Mexico, El Salvador, Hungary, Poland, Honduras, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ireland, the Philippines and the United States. Live entertainment will include the Mariachi band Amanecer Tapatio, the Celtic band Barrowburn, a Filipino dance troupe and the Honduran drummer group Lubuyubo and more. Admission is free. For more information, call 934-2084 or visit www.internationalfoodfestival.net.