Candy Dance: Genoa to show off its sweeter side

Nevada’s first settlement is bustling with activity this weekend as Genoa hosts the 92nd Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Fair, an annual fundraiser that attracts as many as 30,000 people and picks up the tab for most of the historic town’s staff and services.“It’s going to be a great year,” Town Manager Sheryl Gonzales said.Most of the money raised comes from the rental of 280 craft and 40 food booths, but homemade candy is still a hot seller. Organizers of the first dance in 1919 sold candy to raise money for streetlights, and candy sales have continued over the years.This year, 2,500 pounds of candy will be on the block, including fudge, peanut butter cups and almond bark among other varieties made from recipes in use for decades. The candy is made by some of the more than 200 volunteers who make the event possible.Those who seek something to precede dessert, like chocolate-covered bacon, will find food available on Nixon Street just west of the center of town.“We’re going to have entertainment and wine presented by Battle Born Wines,” Gonzales said. In addition to the food court, Gonzales said there will be food booths “woven through the event.”Tickets for the dinner tonight aren’t available, but anyone who wants to dance will be able to purchase a ticket for $20.Gonzales said activity booths in front of Mormon Station State Historic Park will provide a variety of things to do, including model car racing, water walking and moon bouncing.Roads through Genoa will be closed starting at 7 a.m. today and Sunday. The town reopens after 5 p.m. Best parking for the craft fair will be found by taking Genoa or Muller lanes into town. Parking is $5. The smallest parking lot located at the Genoa Cemetery on Jacks Valley Road fills up during the morning. Turning around can be difficult when cars are parked on both sides of the road. The walk to the shuttle can be a half-mile or more. A less expensive, and perhaps less stressful, alternative is to take a shuttle from the Carson Valley Inn or Douglas High School in Minden for $2. The first shuttle leaves Minden at 9 a.m. Last one leaves Genoa at 5 p.m. both days.Several groups hold fundraisers during the event, including the Masons who serve breakfast and the Genoa Volunteer Fire Department which serves Italian sausage sandwiches. A “jail” will be set up by Families for Effective Autism Treatment to raise money for the cause.