Last-minute Candy Dance preparations pack Genoa

Genoa was bustling on Friday morning as crafters arrived to set up across the historic town for the annual Candy Dance craft fair today and Sunday.

Friday’s activity is nothing compared with the throng of around 30,000 people who will pack the town over the weekend, shopping at craft booths, buying candy and finding all sorts of sustenance.

After being canceled last year, the main fundraiser to support Nevada’s oldest town appears to be on track for a prosperous fair.

The annual dinner sold out 500 tickets by Friday morning, according to the town’s web site.

All three entrances to the town, located four miles west of Highway 395 at the end of Genoa Lane, will be shut down for the craft fair.

Parking is available at Genoa Lane, Foothill and Jacks Valley roads for $10.

Because much of the traffic comes in from the north, and the Genoa Cemetery is the smallest lot of the three, expect significant congestion on Jacks Valley Road.

Highway 395 will be affected through Carson Valley with traffic controls preventing left turns at the intersection with Genoa Lane.

Visitors coming from the south should use Muller Lane while one lane of southbound Highway 395 is typically dedicated to visitors turning onto Genoa Lane.

Visitors leaving Genoa from Genoa Lane will have to make a right turn onto Highway 395 and then turn around further south.

Volunteers made 2,900 pounds of confections to sell out of the Town Hall during the event.

Visitors are urged to get their candy early, because the fudge sells out quickly. Volunteers suggest they bring a small cooler to keep the candy from melting during the day.

Temperatures for Candy Dance are expected to hit the mid-80s on Saturday and Sunday with a breeze picking up in the afternoons. There may be some smoke from the Caldor and other fires burning in the region, according to the National Weather Service.

Besides parking, there is no charge to attend the Candy Dance craft fair which will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.