By Brett Fisher

  • Photos by Brett Fisher. Ella Edmondson, 2, at Genoa Coffee and Candy Co.
    Photos by Brett Fisher. Ella Edmondson, 2, at Genoa Coffee and Candy Co.
  • Sadie Edmondson, 4, at Genoa Coffee and Candy Co.
    Sadie Edmondson, 4, at Genoa Coffee and Candy Co.
  • Sugar cookies fresh out of the oven at Genoa Coffee and Candy Co.
    Sugar cookies fresh out of the oven at Genoa Coffee and Candy Co.
  • Sadie Edmundson, 4, finishes coloring a Valentine for a military veteran.
    Sadie Edmundson, 4, finishes coloring a Valentine for a military veteran.
  • Valentine care crates for deployed active military personnel.
    Valentine care crates for deployed active military personnel.
  • Cupcake display at the AAUW Feast of Chocolate Saturday.
    Cupcake display at the AAUW Feast of Chocolate Saturday.
  • Tiramisu and chocolate mousse cakes at the AAUW Feast of Chocolate Saturday.
    Tiramisu and chocolate mousse cakes at the AAUW Feast of Chocolate Saturday.
  • White chocolate candies at the AAUW Feast of Chocolate Saturday.
    White chocolate candies at the AAUW Feast of Chocolate Saturday.
  • Four layer chocolate cake at the AAUW Feast of Chocolate Saturday.
    Four layer chocolate cake at the AAUW Feast of Chocolate Saturday.
  • Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Shoppers at the Carson Mall Saturday.
    Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Shoppers at the Carson Mall Saturday.
  • Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Valentine gift display at the Carson Mall Saturday.
    Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Valentine gift display at the Carson Mall Saturday.
  • Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Valentine gift display at the Carson Mall Saturday.
    Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Valentine gift display at the Carson Mall Saturday.
  • Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Valentine gift display at the Carson Mall Saturday.
    Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Valentine gift display at the Carson Mall Saturday.
  • Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Herbal teas on display at the Carson Mall Saturday.
    Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Herbal teas on display at the Carson Mall Saturday.
  • Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Jewelry display at the Carson Mall Saturday.
    Photo by Arianna Schmidt. Jewelry display at the Carson Mall Saturday.

A few days ahead of Valentine’s Day, weekend venues in Carson City helped get residents and visitors in the holiday spirit.

The Carson Mall opened its Valentine Gift Show and Craft Saturday. It runs again Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Genoa Coffee and Candy Company at 4600 Snyder Avenue in the Carson Lanes complex hosted a cookie decorating event for families.

Cookie decorating activities continue through Sunday until 7:30 p.m.

Children were also able to color Valentine’s cards that were going to U.S. military veterans and deployed active duty personnel.

Genoa Coffee and Candy Company was also accepting donations to fill Valentine’s Day care crates to be sent to deployed military.

The 18th annual American Association of University Women Feast of Chocolate was held Saturday at the Plaza Hotel convention center in Carson City, featuring chocolate desserts, white chocolate candies and other sweets.

Dozens of people attended the event as a benefit to the AAUW, which helps provide scholarships to women aspiring to attend or finish college.