Mayday Fairs, a Porter-based nonprofit, launched in August to support local firefighters and their families who are experiencing life-altering hardship.

About the organization: Founded by Maxine Cruz and Heather Probst, the organization serves firefighters throughout Harris and Montgomery counties.

The event: The nonprofit will host its first fundraiser, the Mayday Book Fair, on Oct. 17 from 4-8 p.m. at J&Co Vintage Market in Porter. Admission is free, and the event will feature:

• Vendors, a book swap and a silent auction

• Books and book-related items for sale

• A raffle for a new Kindle

Proceeds from the silent auction and the Mayday Fair booth will directly benefit the family of local firefighter Jesse Castillo, who recently died from stage 4 lung cancer.

A new Family Place Library is opening at the R.B. Tullis Library in New Caney to provide a space for families with young children to read and learn together.

Some context: According to an Oct. 6 news release from the Montgomery County Memorial Library System, the national early literacy initiative is designed to encourage hands-on play, reading and socialization. The new space was funded through a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

A closer look: The new Family Place Library will feature:

• A dramatic-play kitchen

• Puzzles, blocks and transportation toys

• A drawing station with an accessible board

• Picture books

• A parenting resource section

Check it out: The library will also offer workshops featuring early literacy specialists. A ribbon-cutting celebration is scheduled for Nov. 2 from 1-2 p.m. and will include a welcome address, kids' activities, cookies and refreshments.

The Texas Renaissance Festival will return to Todd Mission for its 52nd season in 2026, running from Oct. 10 through Nov. 29.

Read all about it: Spanning 70 acres, the nation's largest Renaissance-themed event features 21 stages, more than 400 artisanal shops and over 200 acres of camping facilities.

The festival will showcase eight themed weekends from Oktoberfest on Oct. 10-11 to Celtic Christmas on Nov. 27-29. Additional themes include Pirate Adventure, Barbarian Invasion and All Hallows Eve.

What's new: This year the festival will bring back fan-favorite attractions alongside new acts, including Paladin, the Errant Fool; Sons of Olympus; and Lester Jesterson.

Tickets range from $16 to $40. Admission is free for kids 5 and under on Saturdays, and kids 13 and under get in free on Sundays.

Montgomery County commissioners unanimously sent a resolution to local legislators on Oct. 8 seeking additional regulatory ability to manage local growth and development.

The big picture: Montgomery County is 78% unincorporated, meaning the majority of residents do not live within a city or township and rely on the county for public safety and infrastructure.

The resolution, which is being sent to all Montgomery County state representatives and senators, encourages them to draft legislation which would grant the county limited authority to create ordinances for land use and development.

In their words: “The current pace and scale of growth are outstripping the county’s ability to provide and expand infrastructure and public services,” the resolution reads. “Current county authority does not provide Montgomery County with the full range of tools necessary to address the unique and increasing challenges created by growth across its unincorporated areas.”

Ahead of Texas' 2027 legislative session, the state comptroller's office has asked lawmakers to double funding for its $1 billion education savings account program.

The overview: The program gives participating families taxpayer dollars for private education and homeschooling, and officials said at least $2 billion are needed to maintain current participation in the program.

Meanwhile, some Texas families are raising concerns about their local school districts losing money as students leave public schools to participate in the program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts.

What they're saying: "149 students have accepted vouchers that were otherwise enrolled in Pflugerville ISD, [resulting in] an estimated loss of $1.2 million in attendance funding," said Stacy Harrell, a PfISD parent. "That lost funding will add to budget cuts that are already affecting Pflugerville ISD families. Four elementary schools [are closing], with the possibility of more."