For one weekend each April, Genoa, Nevada honors its place in the history of the state and the west by presenting the Genoa Western Heritage Celebration, April 27 – 29, 2018. As the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada and home to the state’s oldest thirst parlor, the three-day festival hosts Native American demonstrations, music, cowboy poetry, tours and food events. While the event’s name has changed over the years, the passionate volunteers behind this annual spring event have not. Genoa Western Heritage Day showcases our area’s rich western heritage from Native Americans to the early settlers who built up the town as we know it today. Historic Genoa, Nevada, is nestled at the base of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Range, just 25 minutes east of beautiful Lake Tahoe, and one hour south of Reno.
The weekend begins Friday, April, 27, at 5:30 p.m. with a BBQ dinner and performance by Gary Allegretto, The Harmonicowboy. Hosted by the Genoa Volunteer Fire Department, seating for this event is limited. Local teen Jakota Wass is the opening act. Tickets are $20 and available for purchase from Sierra Chef in Genoa, by calling 775-781-1236, or at the door. You’ll find the fire station at 2298 Main Street, Genoa, Nevada, 89411.
Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., attendees can amble throughout Genoa for Native American demonstrations, western music, cowboy poetry, Chautauqua actors portraying historic characters, children’s activities, Dutch oven cooking, Ag in the Classroom with the Douglas County Farm Bureau, and much more. Events and performances are free and family friendly.
Saturday daytime performances include:
- Music by Sierra Sweethearts, Jon & Betsy Elliott, Richard Elloyan & Steve Wade, Richard Blair, Chris Bayer and Jakota Wass.
- Cowboy poetry by Tony Argento and Larry Maurice.
- Chautauqua actors Mark Twain performed by McAvoy Lane, Charley Parkhurst portrayed by Kim Harris, and Snowshoe Thompson portrayed by Steve Hale.
- Horsemanship by Matt Coats and Cindy Hartzell, Virginia City Living Legends, Cowboy Fast Draw and a Civil War Camp for Living History.
Additionally, Harmonicowboy Gary Allegretto hosts a harmonica workshop, supplying a harmonica and songbook for $25.
Food and drinks are available throughout town for purchase. Many local restaurants have specials and performers for your enjoyment.
At 5:00 p.m., Saturday, April 28, join Friends of Genoa and Genoa Volunteer Fire Department for dinner from Carson City BBQ, and a lively evening of poetry with Larry Maurice, Western Swing music by Richard Chon and The Saddle Cats, and singer/songwriter Dave Stamey. Tickets for the limited Saturday evening seats are $60 and are available for purchase from The Pink House in Genoa. Dinner and concert will be held at the fire station at 2298 Main Street, Genoa, Nevada 89411.
Sunday, April 29, at 9 a.m., join the Genoa Volunteer Fire Department and Genoa Community Church for Cowboy Church, featuring Jon & Betsy Elliott.
For more information, visit Genoa Western Heritage Day on Facebook.