Organizers of the Mars New Year event are gearing up for a similar celebration over the next few months.

MARS — Although residents celebrated the turning of the calendar less than two months ago, organizers of the Mars New Year event are gearing up for a similar celebration over the next few months.

The event, scheduled for March 21 and 22, is held every 687 days, which is when the planet Mars celebrates a new year. The actual new year date falls on March 23.

This is the third such event held in the borough, and organizers are hoping to present an other-worldly good time.

The event gets under way March 21 with the 2019 Blast-Off Dinner at the Twelve Oaks Mansion. The business-casual event offers dinner and a cash bar, and will feature a keynote address by James Green, NASA chief scientist.

Green has a doctorate in space physics from the University of Iowa. He began working in the Magnetospheric Physics Branch at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in 1980. There he developed and managed the Space Physics Analysis Network, which gives scientists access to data, other scientists and specific NASA computer and information resources.

The cost of the event is $100 and tickets are limited to 175.

Events continue March 22 with the Breakfast with NASA at 9 a.m. at the MSA Auditorium at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry Woods.

While the events in March coincide with the actual Martian new year, the celebration will continue through the spring. According to Mars Mayor Gregg Hartung, organizers decided to spread out the celebration to ensure outside activities can still be held.

The Mars Exploration Celebration Days are planned May 31 through June 2 in downtown. Details are still being planned, but will feature exhibits, speakers and a costume contest.

Hartung said NASA officials are committed to returning for that weekend, but they wanted to recognize the actual Mars New Year in March as well.

Additionally, the annual Brew Fest is planned for 6 to 9 p.m. June 22 in downtown, and serves as a fundraiser for Mars New Year events.

Events to celebrate Mars New Year include:Mars New Year Blast-Off Dinner — 6 p.m. March 21, Twelve Oaks MansionBreakfast with NASA — 9 a.m. March 22, MSA Auditorium at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry WoodsMars Exploration Celebration Days — May 31 to June 2, downtown MarsMars Brew Fest — 6 to 9 p.m. June 22, downtown Mars