Genoans may unhitch Candy Dance from craft fair

A proposal to disconnect the Candy Dance from the craft faire that takes its name is before Genoa Town Board members on Tuesday.

Begun in 1919 by Lillian Virgin, the dinner and dance to pay for the town's streetlights for more than 50 years. Residents would invite people from around the Valley and sell candy at the event.

The craft faire was added in the 1970s to pay for children's recreation and quickly took over the event.

Today the craft fair makes the bulk of the town's money, while the dance's revenue generation tends to be less reliable, particularly after the town moved it to an outside venue four years ago.

When the issue was debated on April 1, 2008, volunteer Lynn Bowersock said weather on the last weekend of September tends to be colder.

An added benefit, proponents say, is that those volunteers who work both Candy Dance and the dinner will have more energy for the dance.

Resident Jody Kynett suggested moving the event to the town park might also reduce the cost of the event.

Town Manager Sheryl Gonzales supported moving the date of the dance and adding two more events during the month to make September Candy Dance season.

The proposal before town board members on Tuesday includes adding events every weekend of September running up the Candy Dance craft fair.

Under the proposal before town board members on Tuesday, the dinner dance would be Sept. 5, there would be a wine and chocolate activity on Sept. 13 at Genoa Town Park, a suds 'n' duds event would be Sept. 19, all of which would lead to the craft fair on Sept. 26 and 27.

Town board members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday in the town hall.

The dinner dance is just one aspect of the fundraiser that draws an estimated 30,000 people to Nevada's oldest settlement every September.

Town Board members are also scheduled to discuss the future of the event.