Best Bets for the weekend

1. After the Thanksgiving holiday comes and goes what is now becoming a holiday in its own right, Black Friday shopping, kicks off. After you fatten your waistline, loosen up your wallet and take advantage of the deals offered by various retailers. Big name stores like Sears, Home Depot, Walmart, CVS and Walgreens will be offering deals. In addition, local retailers like Frazier Furniture, Jewelry By Michael and Threadz Clothing Company will kick off their season of savings as well. Get out there, check off your loved ones on your Christmas list and maybe even buy a little something for yourself. You'll deserve it after fighting off the crowds, right?

2. Calling all dudes and divas, after you scarf down your Thanksgiving meals, get out there and satisfy your art craving by checking out the Artistic Divas and Dudes event Friday from noon until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Bob Ruud Community Center. The fourth annual edition of the event will offer arts and crafts made by locals, so not only will you be able to pick up an item or two to spruce up your living space, you can help support local artists as well. In addition to the sale, there will be a raffle with the proceeds going to RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program.) There will also be a number of cottage food vendors on site selling breads, biscotti, muffins and other goodies. For more information call 775-513-8633.

3. Come on out the Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino parking lot to kick off the official start of the Christmas season in town with the 2nd annual community tree lighting ceremony Saturday. The fun begins at 9 a.m. where residents are able to help decorate the massive tree, preparing it for its unveiling later that night. Then at 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., cookies, hot chocolate and coffee will be offered in the southwest corner of the near intersection of Highways 160 and 372 as the lights are turned on. Nothing beats seeing a massive tree light up for the first time to kick your holiday spirit into gear, so be sure to make it out to the Pahrump Nugget for the pair of events. For more information call the Pahrump Nugget at 775-751-6500.