Top 10 things to do: Week of March 10

1 Three-ring excitement

The ringmaster, clowns, trapeze artists and all the other circus performers from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's latest edition, "Built to Amaze!," are coming to Nassau Coliseum. The "Greatest Show on Earth" takes shape in three rings with simultaneous action -- look for the "Wheel of Steel," balancing acts, exotic and domestic animals, and high-wire acts, who'll be introduced by cowboy ringmaster Andre McClain and his horse, Comanche. At no extra charge, ticket holders may come an hour before the show and bring their cameras for an all-access, behind-the-scenes look at the circus and a chance to walk on a low wire, try on clown costumes, meet Asia, the "painting" elephant, and other featured performers.

And before the Big Top settles in, see the circus elephants walk to the Nassau Coliseum as they pass (along with some other circus animals) the Long Island Children's Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard in East Garden City.

2 Planetarium reopens

The Vanderbilt Planetarium, on the Vanderbilt estate in Centerport, shows off its $4-million renovation with an opening night of celestial films highlighting its new state-of-the-art sound, projection systems and telescopes. Screenings of "Long Island Skies" introduces viewers to the night sky and seasonal constellations and "deep sky" objects that can't be seen by the naked eye. Also on the bill is "Stars," a film about astronauts and space travel narrated by Mark Hamill.

3 St. Patrick's Day parade

The patron saint of the Emerald Isle is celebrated as Irish eyes smile once again in Huntington, where marchers will put their best feet forward for the 79th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Listen for the distinct sound of the Nassau County Firefighters' Emerald Society Pipe Band making its way around the village in grand style and see Huntington's Ancient Order of Hibernians march nearby. To start things off, St. Patrick's Church, 400 Main St., is celebrating a 10 a.m. Mass to usher in the day's activities.

4 Drew Carey

You won't be playing "Plinko" or "Stack the Deck" as Drew Carey takes the stage at Governor's Comedy Club. This time, it's all about the laughs as the host of "The Price Is Right" brings his stand-up comedy act to Levittown.

5 Jessica Alba

Motherhood has shifted her priorities. The actress, who recently gave birth to her second child, was inspired to write her new book, "The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You." In it, she shares her journey of discovery and gives tips on healthy living with hands-on children's activities, family-friendly recipes, nontoxic cleaning choices and home-decorating ideas that are eco-friendly yet stylish.

6 Joe Montana

The Pro Football Hall of Famer was at last month's Super Bowl, but in one of the Super Bowl commercials rather than on the playing field. Catch the retired quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs (he's tied with Terry Bradshaw as the quarterback with the most Super Bowl wins, four) when he comes to the Steiner Sports Store for a signing.

7 Long Island Guitar Festival

It's all about the strings, as the department of music of the School of Visual and Performing Arts at LIU Post presents a guitar celebration. Classical guitarist John Williams (7 p.m.) opens the event next Sunday and classical and flamenco guitarist Dennis Koster (3 p.m.) closes it March 24. In between, you'll find a series of hands-on, rock, classical and jazz guitar workshops, master classes with guests artists ($10), seminars and performances geared toward guitar enthusiasts.

8 Rosanne Cash

She's country-music royalty. The eldest daughter of Johnny Cash brings her singing and songwriting talents to the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, where she'll perform songs from her album "The List," featuring songs her father gave her in 1973, which she gave a contemporary twist.

9 Long Island Pen Show

In an age where fountain pens may look like foreign objects, there's still an interest in pens as collectibles and writing tools. You'll find an array of vintage pens from the '30s and '40s at the show. Look for flexible Watermans; a streamlined, Art Deco Sheaffer, and an orange Parker duofold, along with modern pens on display and for sale. When the ballpoint came out in the early '50s, it took over as the preferred writing instrument. But if you still think using a fountain pen is a more "pleasurable writing experience," you'll be able to purchase nibs, ink and high-quality writing paper.

10 Chick day

Learn how to get a daily supply of farm fresh eggs when the experts from the Suffolk County Farm at Cornell Cooperative Extension offer instructions on raising a flock of chicks in your own backyard. The workshop includes a live presentation, "Chicken Chat, Raising Chickens 101," along with instructions on how to care for chicks, an introduction to new chicken breeds and tips on how to house chickens and overcome some common problems.