Don't ever let anyone tell you there's nothing to do in Pahrump. The area is about the swing into the holiday season and here's what's on tap this weekend.

* There is a book signing scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday at the Charleston Peak RV Resort. Laraine Russo Harper, author of "Legal Tender," will be there signing and selling copies of her book. All proceeds go to support Symphony Animal Foundation, her no-kill sanctuary.

* The Amargosa Opera House shows classic movies at 7 p.m. on Fridays. This week it's "Gypsy." The movie was supposed to show last weekend but Rich Rengell, operations manager for the opera house, said he showed "The Music Man" instead.

The PVT has asked for a solid schedule from him so we can be accurate. The opera house isn't just down the street.

* "If These Walls Could Talk," the stage show at the opera house, is, however, solidly in place and there are now two showings. The standard Saturday evening show still starts promptly at 7:15 p.m. There's an added matinee on Sundays at 2 p.m.

* The Amargosa Conservancy is hosting a walking tour of Shoshone tomorrow starting at 10 a.m. when hikers gather at the conservancy office. There is a suggested donation of $30 to $50 but it is free.

* Nevada Arts Council is bringing its touring exhibit, "Stop the Car, Dad!" to the courthouse gallery. The show will be in place by Monday.

The show "features series of 24 photographs by Erik Lauitzen who was captivated by the evidence of human presence affecting the Western landscape. From abandoned military installations to roadside vernacular architecture, the sites Lauritzen photographed reveal a certain irony often underlying everyday encounters in the Nevada desert," according to the NAC Web site.

* WOW American grill is hosting a CD release party for "Me and Ray" tomorrow starting at 7 p.m. Steve Cooper, one of the restaurant owners, said the first 50 people to show get an autographed CD.

* There's another "Iron Chef" showdown Sunday at 4 p.m. at Our Bar/Charlie's Place. Archer says it's a fun event and seemingly successful.

The showdown is every other Sunday and features a "secret ingredient" for two competing "chefs" to use in their dishes. Attendees get to help eat the creations after a panel of judges picks a winner.

* The Festival of Trees benefit for Nathan Adelson Hospice kicks of with the decorating party at 10 a.m., Sunday in the Pahrump Nugget Events Center.

The trees will be on display until the Festival of Trees Gala on tap for 6:30 p.m., Dec. 5. At that time, the trees will be auctioned along with a silent auction, raffles, dinner, dancing and local comedy by Dan Rodriguez, who will emcee the event.

Call Nathan Adelson, 751-5601 for tickets.

* The annual Pahrump Powwow is on tap today through Sunday at Petrack Park. The competitive dancers, vendors, and formal ceremonies draw a crowd.

Just a note of warning: All attendees should be aware that anything, feathers, ornaments or other pieces of costumes are symbolic and should be left where they fall. If you see something from a Native garment on the ground, go find and elder under the drumming canopy. They will take care of retrieving the item according to their customs. They may be in our town, but this is their gig, be considerate.

* Alongside the powwow, there will be a walk for diabetes awareness. Walkers will meet behind the town office at 8 a.m. to register and turn in pledge money. The entry fee is $5.

There will be T-shirts, sweatshirts, magnets and hoodies for sale.

Call Dee Painter, 751-1529 for more information.

* PETRA is getting in on the act as well. The organization is sponsoring a trail ride for awareness which will start at 8 a.m. at the StageStop Lounge and Casino off of Blagg Road on Stagecoach Drive.

The cost is $15 for single riders and $25 for families.

The ride will end at Petrack Park around 10 to 10:30 a.m. and proceeds will go to the Walk for Awareness taking place there.

Call 751-0717 for more information.

Enjoy the weekend.