Best stuff to do this week for you and your family

Simon Fashion Now - Runway Show
WHEN: Saturday, April 4, 2009; Noon - 6 p.m.
WHERE: La Plaza Mall, 2200 S. 10th St., McAllen
COST: Free
MORE INFO: La Plaza Mall, (956) 687-5251 or www.simon.com

Spring is here, and like the flowers budding, fashion's newest looks are blooming. Make sure you're up on all of the freshest trends for spring by visiting La Plaza Mall today.

Simon Fashion Now, presented by Caress Skinwear Collection, will feature runway fashion shows at the McAllen mall from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., along with Style Stops from several participating stores.

Models from the Page Parkes Corporation will be strutting down the runway in the latest looks from retailers such as Dillard's, Macy's and JCPenney.

"The beauty of Simon Fashion Now is accessibility - every look on the runway can be purchased at the participating retailer's store, and with fashion being featured at a variety of price points, no consumer group is excluded," said Jacque Ellis, assistant vice president of corporate special events at Simon.

New trends for the season aren't limited to the clotheshorse. Shops like Sephora and Bath & Body Works will offer interactive displays and product testing for those interested in this spring's beauty trends.

The Second City on Tour
WHEN: Wednesday, April 8, 2009; 7 p.m.
WHERE: University of Texas Pan-American, Student Union Theater; 1201 W. University Dr.
COST: Free; (First come, first serve basis; open to the UTPA community first, then to the public)
MORE INFO: (956) 316-7989 or www.secondcity.com

Here's your chance to get a glimpse of some up-and-coming performers from the comedy troupe, The Second City. A touring cast of players will put on a gut-busting show at University of Texas Pan-American's Student Union Theater on Wednesday.

Nearly 50 years of comedy has been produced by The Second City, as well as some of the industry's most beloved actors and comedians. Alumni from The Second City includes greats such as John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Bonnie Hunt, Mike Myers, John Candy and Tina Fey.

Expect quality entertainment with a show that is funny, original and highly relevant.  

Amazing Skies
WHEN: Saturday, April 11, 2009; 2 p.m.
WHERE: International Museum of Art and Science, 1900 Nolana Ave., McAllen
COST: Free for members; General admission for adults, $5; seniors 55+, $4; children 4-12, $3; children under 3, free
MORE INFO: www.amazingskies.org

For an amazing look at our amazing skies, grab the family and head to the International Museum of Art and Science in McAllen next Saturday. Former NASA astronaut Col. John Blaha, who served on five space shuttle missions, will be speaking at the event.

Many presenters, including NASA, Challenger Learning Center, The Science Wall, The Space Wall and more, will be set up throughout the museum to share their exhibits.

Outside there will be a Pepsi Water Rocket Competition, with the rocket launches throughout the afternoon. There will even be a launch after dark. And after the sun sets is when the STARS party begins. Many large telescopes will be set up for stargazing for the space explorer in you.

A Palm Sunday Concert
WHEN: Sunday, April 5, 2009; 4 p.m.
WHERE: The First Presbyterian Church of McAllen, 104 S. 12th St., McAllen
COST: Free
MORE INFO: (956) 682-2836

Tomorrow marks the Christian holy day, Palm Sunday. A day of reflection for many is enhanced by the recital series at The First Presbyterian Church of McAllen featuring a special concert for worship.

David Bowen will play organ and Christopher Zaleski will be on oboe and alto recorder. The two will perform music by Marcello, Corelli, Michael Burkhardt, Grayston Ives, David German and more.

Rockerz Against Diabetes
WHO: Renaissance Rockers and Brainwave
WHEN: Wednesday, April 11, 2009; 7 p.m. - Midnight
WHERE: Club at Las Palmas, 500 E. Hackberry, McAllen
COST: $20 per person; Tables are sold out. (BYOB)
BUY TICKETS: At the door
MORE INFO: (956) 292-3411

The Doctors Hospital at Renaissance is sponsoring a concert with local doctors and rockers in an effort to raise money for the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association.

• READ ABOUT ONE OF THE DOCTORS WHO'S IN THE RENAISSANCE ROCKERS

The RGV Diabetes Association strives to raise awareness locally about prevention of diabetes, early detection and helps to educate and enhance the lives of those affected by the disease. Also, all money raised for the organization stays in the Valley.

The all ages event features bands Renaissance Rockers and Brainwave, bands who play covers and originals with broad appeal. One hundred percent of proceeds will be donated to the RGV Diabetes Association.