A Legendary Weekend of Festival and Outdoor Activity Awaits You in The Carson Valley
Sierra Rec Magazine, September 21, 2017 – The Third Full weekend in September is always one of the region’s favorites in the Carson Valley. As we awoke this morning with snow covered peaks at Heavenly Mountain and the surrounding Sierra Range, the spirit of fall is alive on the eastern slopes of the Sierra. The Third weekend of September of course means is time for the annual Candy Dance Arts and Craft Faire in Genoa. And with Fall weather racing in quickly the seasonal color changes are starting on the eastern front so hiking and biking in the region are spectacular.
The Genoa “Candy Dance” originated in 1919 as an effort to raise money to purchase street lights for the small, but the enterprising community of Genoa, Nevada’s first settlement. It has grown to become one of the most iconic and well-attended craft fair events in the West. Tucked up at the base of the Eastern Sierra Front, Genoa is just a delightful place to spend an afternoon. Homemade Candy and crafts all weekend long will fill the streets, live music and special ticket events are popular draws and often sell out early in the area. This is one of those events that family and friends travel from out of state and regions to come back to every year.
Of course, if you come to the Carson Valley for the weekend you want to bring your hiking gear and Mountain Bike. The Genoa trail and the Carson Valley Trail Association give you a great opportunity to explore the Eastern Edge of the Sierra. With the Genoa Trail which can be an easy loop or be extended into a more intense experience connecting you with the Tahoe Rim Trail, or The Clear Creek Trail that can connect you with the Carson City Trail System visitors can experience epic views of the Eastern Front, and ride or hike in a great Ponderosa Pine Line Forest route that is spectacular in the fall weather.
Another great option is a newer trail system that is a great stroll along the valley river system, The River Fork Ranch Trail System is one mile east of Genoa on Genoa Lane at the confluence of the East and West Fork of the Carson River. There are two trails at River Fork Ranch, the 0.75 mile East Brockliss Loop and the 2.0 mile West Fork Trail. Both trails are flat. There are two narrow boardwalks on the East Brockliss Loop. The West Fork Trail parallels the West Fork Carson River, connecting Genoa Lane to Muller Lane with panoramic views. Except during wet periods, this trail is relatively easy to access by wheelchair users as it follows a dirt ranch road. There are also interpretive signs at the ranch house about the area. To protect the native animals, including nesting birds, turtles and frogs, dogs are not permitted on the trails. Hikers, bikers and equestrians are permitted.
The date for the Annual Genoa Candy Dance Art & Crafts Faire is Saturday and Sunday, September 23-24, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Candy Dance Dinner & Dance is Saturday night from 4 to 10 p.m.
Come down from Reno or Tahoe this weekend or make the drive from Sacramento or the Valley for a great weekend of exploring the Sierra and experiencing life in the small historic town of Genoa. The Candy Dance is an epic event that might just become a tradition for your September plans.
