New Year’s Eve Unplugged at the Genoa Bar

There’s no doubt that many destinations and communities are facing difficult times right now. The economy, job losses and even impending winter weather may make for some tough times ahead. But coming fresh off of Thanksgiving, and a visit to a special destination in Nevada, I’m reminded that we not only have a lot to be thankful for, but also that sometimes, difficult times can lead to the best ideas – and more meaningful community connections.

What do I mean? Well, let me tell you a story about the oldest bar in Nevada, as told to me by one of the bartenders who works there…

A few years ago a powerful dust storm barreled through the Carson Valley on Christmas Eve. It knocked out all of the power in the Valley for days. In Genoa, a charming historical town in the Valley popular with tourists, the lack of power meant no water or plumbing of any kind for most of the businesses and residents . . . with the exception of an establishment known as Genoa Bar – Nevada’s oldest “Thirst Parlor”.

While Genoa Bar had no power, it still had water because the bar was (and still is!) situated on a different well system. It quickly became the town’s freshening up spot, and five-gallon jugs were graciously filled with water from the bar for any resident who wanted it. Locals stayed longer than usual, lingering well into the night and early morning, and so Genoa Bar became the town’s family room. The original oil lamps from the 1850s were lit along with dozens of candles, which added a whole new layer of ambience to the atmosphere of the bar. With no jukebox to play, patrons brought in instruments from home – guitars, accordions, whatever. It was like living in the way the bar must have truly been during the 1800s. People were having more fun than they’d had in years, and were becoming a true family with their neighbors

That atmosphere was so special that the current bar owners decided to recreate it every year. So now, every New Year’s Eve Genoa Bar hosts an “unplugged” party to ring in the New Year – without a drop of electricity. The annual event includes the lighting of that oil lamp chandelier, an original at the 152-year-old bar.

The dust storm, while inconvenient, had only a temporary impact on the lives of Carson Valley residents and visitors. But it permanently gifted this gem of a destination with a reason to celebrate – and ultimately, some great PR surrounding their new event. Sometimes a difficulty that must be overcome can serve as a catalyst for the most special and meaningful happenings.

So as you think about the difficulties your community or destination may currently be going through, don’t forget to focus on the good being done by a community drawn closer together due to tough times. What are you doing as a community to celebrate your tenacity and special shared heritage?

~ Jen

jennifer@northstarideas.com