Get ready to celebrate a century and five years of an enchanting tradition at the Genoa Candy Dance 2024! This remarkable event, steeped in history and community spirit, promises a weekend filled with arts, crafts, delectable treats, and of course, the famous candy that gives it its sweet name.
Genoa Candy Dance 2024 event in Nevada, showcasing arts and crafts vendors and delicious candy.
Stepping back in time to 1919, the Genoa Candy Dance emerged from a simple yet brilliant idea. The residents of Genoa, Nevada’s oldest settlement, sought to illuminate their streets with electric lights. Lillian Virgin Finnegan, a forward-thinking member of the community and daughter of Judge Daniel Webster Virgin, proposed a dance coupled with homemade candy. This sweet incentive was designed to draw a crowd and raise the necessary funds for streetlights. The community rallied, the dance was a success, and Genoa achieved its goal of lighting up the town.
However, the story didn’t end there. The monthly electricity bills still needed to be paid. Thus, the “Candy Dance” became an annual affair, a charming tradition where candy makers would once again create their confections to fund a year’s worth of electricity for Genoa’s streetlights. Couples journeyed from Reno, Carson City, and neighboring areas, eager to partake in the delightful evening.
As the years rolled on, the Candy Dance evolved. In the 1970s, the Arts & Crafts Faire was introduced, adding another layer of attraction to the event. Initially a small gathering of twelve vendors on a private lawn on Genoa Lane, the Faire’s popularity quickly surged. It soon relocated to the historic grounds of Mormon Station State Monument to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors and visitors. Today, the Arts & Crafts Faire has expanded throughout downtown Genoa, showcasing hundreds of vendors and becoming an integral part of the Candy Dance experience.
Explore unique handmade crafts and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the annual Genoa Candy Dance 2024.
Mark your calendars for September 28th and 29th to immerse yourself in the Genoa Candy Dance 2024 weekend. This year’s event is set to host over 400 arts and crafts, activity, and food vendors, offering a diverse array of treasures and treats. For those looking for an extra touch of festivity, the Saturday night Dinner Dance provides an opportunity to celebrate in style (advance tickets required and available for purchase in August).
The Arts & Crafts Faire will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, allowing ample time to explore the booths and discover unique finds. The Saturday night Dinner and Dance will take place from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
For more detailed information about the Genoa Candy Dance 2024, please visit the Town of Genoa website. You can also reach out to the Town Office at 775-782-8696 with any questions. Stay up-to-date with event announcements and sneak peeks by following the official event page on Facebook. Don’t miss out on this beloved annual celebration in the heart of Nevada!
