Genoa prepares for hordes of visitors at Candy Dance

Nevada's oldest town will be hosting one of Carson Valley's biggest parties this weekend with the 89th Candy Dance.

With nearly 350 different vendors offering arts, crafts, food and activities, there will be something for all ages at the annual arts and crafts fair that draws more than 30,000 people to the tiny town, according to Genoa Town Manager Sheryl Gonzales.

"We have an unbelievable variety of food," Gonzales said of the three-dozen food booths. "We have 12 activity booths with bungee jumps, a bounce house, face painting, balloon animal art and a ride for toddlers, among others."

It wouldn't be Candy Dance if there wasn't candy for sale, two tons to be exact.

But despite the quantity, Gonzales warned that it goes fast, and some varieties might not be available on Sunday.

Saturday is the busier day, and the weather forecast is for sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 80s.

"Saturday is the big day," she said. "We're encouraging people to drink lots of water. Also, be kind to animals and leave them home."

While there will be lots of candy, tickets to the dinner-dance on Saturday are sold out. There's a chance that people will be able to buy tickets to just the dance, which features Lacy J. Dalton and the Comstock Cowboys.

The Bar BQ Boys will be performing for the dinner.

"It's going to be quite a show this year," she said.

Foothill Road, Genoa Lane and Jacks Valley Road are all closed to traffic near the town boundaries 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The most parking is available off Genoa Lane and Foothill Road. Genoa Cemetery along Jacks Valley Road has a much smaller parking lot and it fills up early in the morning. All parking spaces are $5. The parking lots are managed by non-profits.

Shuttles will be available from the Carson Valley Inn and Douglas High School for $2 per person. They start at 8:30 a.m. and run until 5 p.m.

Candy Dance is far less busy on Sunday, and Gonzales suggested that might be a better experience for someone who has never been before.

"But you can't be sure all the candy will be there," she said.