There are a few good entertainment options this weekend.

* The High Desert Shorts International Film Festival started yesterday and will continue until the awards ceremony around 5:30 p.m., Saturday at the Pahrump Nugget.

Linda Kass, organizer and founder of the event said there will be films and film makers in attendance from 32 states and eight foreign countries.

In the article the PVT ran last Friday, the admission was supposed to be $1, $2 and $20 (all event pass). Kass called the PVT and said thanks to a generous donation from Tim Hafen, admission is now free and she has her expenses covered for the event.

This is year four. The goal since inception has been to establish the film festival and have it be an event for five years running. At that point, all films are eligible for Oscar nomination. Screenings began at noon yesterday and will start at 8:30 a.m. today and 8 a.m. tomorrow.

The late-night screenings for those over 18 will be at 11 p.m., tonight.

The entire schedule is online at www.highdesertshortsiff.com.

* Two new art exhibits opened last weekend.

Terry Harvey: "Batik on Paper" is on display at the library and there is an artist's reception from 10 a.m. to noon today.

The new installation at the Charleston Peak RV Clubhouse is a landscape show from Spring Mountain Art Guild members.

* The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has taken an interest in Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge and the group will take a guided field trip through the refuge Saturday.

Those wanting to go should call 702-515-5367 to let them know you're coming and get a start time and a meeting place.

The trip is scheduled for all day and participants are advised to pack lunch, plenty of water and whatever personal items are needed.

* The Jack Reeves Show is back in town. Reeves will start at 7 p.m., both tonight and tomorrow night at the Maverick Saloon and Dance Hall on Mesquite Avenue.

The ticket price is $6.

The Maverick is also taking reservations for Country Christmas booth space. This will be the second year for the unique crafts fair scheduled for Nov. 29.

Call 751-9988 for more information.

* Another Iron Chef Showdown is on tap for Sunday at 4 p.m. at Charlie's Place on Bell Vista Road.

The competitions are drawing a crowd of folks to watch the fun and sample the dishes after the "chefs" are finished with their creations.

There is an ongoing list of wannabe chefs signing up. If you think you're a cook who can handle any ingredient, this is one way to prove it.

The competition gets the winner a $50 prize and the loser gets to pick the next "secret ingredient."

* Don't forget the veterans benefit tomorrow at the Stagestop Lounge and Casino.

The event starts at 10 a.m. and there will be raffles, food and live music provided by Dean West and the Smokin' Gun Band.

All proceeds benefit the Disabled American Veterans.

Enjoy the weekend.