Shannon Litz/Nevada Appeal news service Marian Vassar spreads fudge on the first day of candymaking in Genoa on Aug. 14, 2005, in preparation for the annual Candy Dance.
Saturday and Sunday is the 85th year for Genoa's Candy Dance, which has attracted more than a million people since it began in 1919. What is it that attracts between 50,000 and 70,000 people each year to what may be Nevada's first settlement? It is a combination of an arts-and-crafts fair, plenty of food and drink, and the Saturday night dinner and dance.
It all starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, with the opening of the arts-and-crafts fair. People start driving in to town by 8:30 a.m. to park in one of the parking lots on the way. Parking areas include hayfields leased by the town of Genoa from the Trimmer Ranch or the dirt field in front of the cemetery.
After parking, you can walk the half mile to town, or take one of several small buses into the center of town, where the atmosphere is similar to a county fair. Genoa is closed to all traffic during the event so people can walk to the more-than-300 vendor booths spread all over town.
It's a good idea to bring large tote bags or backpacks to carry out the treasures you will find in the various booths - floral arrangements, fresh-made jams and jellies, specialty foods, clothes for adults and children, woodcrafts, metal crafts, fine pottery and ceramics, paintings, jewelry and much more. Don't worry, if you buy a large piece of pottery or a big painting; help will be available to transport larger items to your car at the end of the day.
The town of Genoa will a have a booth selling souvenir apparel, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats. But the candy booth is the main local attraction. In early August, the ladies of Genoa begin making the candy, using some of the same recipes used for decades. The candy selection includes divinity, truffles and fudge. My advice is to get to the candy booth first as it nearly always sells out.
In addition to the vendor booths, the choices for good food, drinks and snacks abound at the many food and beverage booths near the firehouse and center of town. Choices include a menu with an international flair.
The culmination of the event is the Saturday night Candy Dance from 6-10:30 p.m. at the Orchard House. David John and the Comstock Cowboys will play music for dancing. Mom and Pop's Diner will cater chicken, tri-tip and pork loin, along with some savory side dishes. Adult tickets are $25 for the dinner and dance. New this year is the option to buy dance tickets only for $15.
The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Candy Dance are unique, and have created wonderful memories for 85 years. Come on out to Genoa this weekend and make some wonderful memories of your own.