30,000 expected at Candy Dance

This weekend, Genoa goes from one of Douglas County's smallest communities to one of its most populated as roughly 30,000 visitors arrive for the annual Candy Dance.

The weather for the weekend will be sunny and warm, according to the National Weather Service. High temperatures will be in the approaching the 90s for the first time since Labor Day.

Founded in 1919 to purchase streetlights for the town, Candy Dance has grown to where it supplies most of the town's revenue.

Most of that money comes from renting booth space to the 300 exhibitors who ply their wares in Mormon Station State Historic Park and along Main Street during the weekend.

Located at the base of the Carson Range, Genoa will be a busy place, with visitors pouring in from the north, east and south.

Town Manager Sheryl Gonzales said tickets to the dinner dance that gives the event its name still are available.

Located at Genoa Town Park, the dinner will be catered by the Genoa Country Store. Cost to eat and dance is $30 for adults, and $15 for children 12 and younger.

Cost for the dance, which will feature music by David John and the Comstock Cowboys, with guest star Wylie and the Wild West, is $15.

The sweet stuff that puts the candy in Candy Dance will be available today and Sunday in the Town Hall. Volunteers made a ton and a half of candy in seven varieties for the fundraiser.

Most parking is available along Genoa Lane and Foothill Road, with the smallest parking lot located along Jacks Valley Road at the Genoa Cemetery.

Barricades go up on all three roads at 7 a.m., closing the town to motor traffic. Passes are available for residents. Parking in the three lots costs $5. For $2, visitors can take a shuttle from either the Carson Valley Inn or Douglas High School into Genoa.

There will be 30 different food vendors at the Candy Dance this year. Genoa volunteers will sell beer and Italian sausage sandwiches. Breakfast will be served

6-10:30 a.m. today and Sunday by members of Masonic Lodge No. 12 for $5.

Billed as Nevada's oldest settlement, founded in 1852, Genoa was the Douglas County seat until 1916.

It is home to two museums, the Genoa Courthouse Museum, and the Mormon Station State Historic Park museum.

Admission to the Candy Dance Arts and Crafts Faire is free.

For more information, visit www.genoanevada.org or 782-8696.