Today’s entertainment picks:

April 1, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

v Maple Syrup Festival, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Hayrides, Civil War re-enactors, maple syrup demonstrations and more. Boardman Park.

v Northeast Ohio Pet Expo, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Pet owners can catch up on latest products at Eastwood Expo Center, Niles; 330-518-7794.

v Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.: The Greatest Show on Earth at Covelli Centre, Youngstown; 866-448-7849.

v “Distracted,” 3 p.m.: Last chance to see this comedy-drama at Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St., Youngstown; 330-746-0404.

v “The 39 Steps,” 2:30 p.m.: Final performance of this Hitchcook spoof at Youngstown Playhouse; 330-788-8739.

“Academy of Country Music Awards” (8 p.m., cbs): Blake Shelton takes a break from his duties on “The Voice” to co-host “The 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards,” along with Reba McEntire. The show’s roster of performers includes Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, The Band Perry and Toby Keith.

“the killing” (8 p.m., amc): Expect more red herrings, plenty of shady shenanigans and lots and lots of rain as “The Killing” returns for its second season. But will the show’s frustrated fans be back?

“great expectations” (8 p.m., pbs): “Masterpiece Classic” celebrates the bicentenary of Charles Dickens’ birth with a new adaptation of “Great Expectations.” You might hardly recognize Gillian Anderson (“The X Files”), who shines in the prize role of the wealthy — and mentally unhinged — spinster, Miss Havisham.

“GAME OF THRONES” (9 p.m., hbo): The electrifying adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series returns for a second season and war is raging all over the land of Westeros. The Iron Throne, currently held by evil (and psychotic) teen Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson), is about to come under assault on many fronts. Among those jockeying for power is Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), who has three freshly hatched dragons at her disposal. But there also some new faces in the mix, including a mysterious redheaded sorceress named Melisandre (Carice van Houten). It all adds up to a lot of chaos, turmoil, bloodshed and bitter backstabbing. We couldn’t be more pleased. Game on.

TV Listings: B8

entertainment news

Seeking sponsors

YOUNGSTOWN

Mill Creek MetroParks is seeking sponsors for the Mahoning Valley Rib Burn Off, May 18-20 at the Wick Recreation Area. The festival is a fundraiser for the construction of a new children’s play area in the park. Businesses and individuals who would like to be financial sponsors are asked to contact Linda Kostka, marketing director, by Wednesday. Call 330-702-3000 or email linda@millcreekmetroparks.org.

Brass ensemble

Greenville, Pa.

Youngstown Fine Arts Brass will give a free concert at 3:30 p.m. April 15 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Penn Avenue. For information, call 724-588-8870 or go to holytrinitygreenville.org.