Calendar of Events

Today

-- Mars will make its closest pass to Earth in 60,000 years. It will appear in the southern sky after sunset. The Fleischmann Planetarium in Reno is offering special viewings from the Mapes Hotel site in downtown Reno at First and Virginia streets beginning at 9 p.m. Viewings will be offered by the WNCC Jack C. Davis Observatory Friday and Saturday from dusk to 2 a.m. For information, go to www.planetary.org/marswatch2003/ or www.mars.jpl.nasa.gov/

-- Northern Nevada Development Authority meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Carson Valley Inn, Minden. Call 883-4413.

-- Carson City Farmers Market, 3:30-7:30 p.m. at Pony Express Pavilion, Mills Park. Features farm-fresh produce, vegetables, fruits, flowers and crafts. Call 687-7410.

-- Sierra Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lampe Park, Gardnerville. Features fresh produce, baked goods and homemade gifts. Call 782-9828.

-- Carson City Planning Commission meets at 3:30 p.m. in the Sierra Room of the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St. Call 887-2188.

-- Madison Avenue performs at the Carson Nugget Show Lounge; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. today-Thursday and Sunday, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday. Call 882-1626.

-- Kool Flame and the Robeys performs at the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret Lounge, Minden. Call 782-9711.

-- Comedians Rocky Laporte and Kyle Dunnigan perform with emcee Howie Nave at The Improv at Harveys. Tickets $25; call for show times, (800) 427-8397.

-- United Blood Services and Air National Guard annual MASH Bash blood drive, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Boston Market, 4801 Kietzke, Reno. Call 324-6454.

-- An Evening with Randy Newman at 8 p.m. at Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, Reno. Tickets $60, $50, $45. Call 828-6642.