The 103rd annual Genoa Candy Dance is back with regulars, as well as many newcomers
The annual Candy Dance is back for its 103rd year, so let the weekend shopping and drinking begin!
Every year the Arts and Crafts Fair is held in Genoa, a tradition that originally started in 1919.
Now, after 100 years running, the regular participants — and new members — were giddy to get started on their weekend-long activities.
Two women, Lorie and Michelle, have been back every year for seven consecutive years.
“We start in the morning, go to all our favorite vendors and walk back through again,” they said. “We drink Bloody Marys, shop and eat.”
At the fair, there are roughly 300 food vendors, arts and craft booths and shopping options for attendees to visit. There are also a few games and activities for kids.
The Candy Dance is an all-day event on Saturday and Sunday that is full of crowds of people who are simply looking for a fun-filled weekend.
When you arrive in Genoa, you can either park and walk, or take a shuttle from the main parking lots on Genoa Lane and Foothill Road. Parking is limited and costs $10 in the main lots.
However, with the weather hitting a little bit warmer in the afternoon, closer parking might just be worth the few bucks.
Diane Roberts, another regular at Candy Dance said she’s been to this annual fair a lot and she usually sees loads of people. Though, she warns the lack of cell service can be hard to handle, since the town is so far on the outskirts of other nearby places.
“My husband always asks me why I come if I’m not going to buy anything, but I just like to watch people and walk [around],” said Roberts.
Many people, like Roberts, come together, even on the hot days of the fair, to soak up the Genoa spirit and get a taste for some arts, crafts, food and booze.