Valentine’s Day in Loveland, CO

Valentine’s Day is observed all over the world, but there’s no better place to celebrate than with loved ones in Loveland, Colorado’s Official Sweetheart City. As the Centerra community continues to grow with new homes for sale in Loveland, new residents are discovering the city’s special local connection to the holiday, rooted in a rich history that dates all the way back to the 1940’s.

Loveland’s Sweetheart City Valentine Program is a worldwide tradition that gives people the opportunity to send valentines through the city of Loveland, where they are hand stamped by volunteers and addressed with a one-of-a-kind message in February. Each year more then 160,000 letters are sent through the annual valentine program.

The tradition began back in the 1940’s, when Ted Thompson, Loveland Chamber of Commerce President, realized that Loveland had a unique opportunity to share a little love with people all over the country. With the help of the Loveland Stamp Club, the Loveland Re-Mailing program was born. By February 14, 1950 the program had received nationwide exposure, and after Ted Thompson’s passing, the Chamber of Commerce continued to commemorate his vision of spreading love through the Valentine Program.

In addition to the Re-Mailing program, Loveland also crowns an annual “Miss Loveland Valentine” each year, dating back over fifty years. The crowned young woman is Loveland’s spokesperson of the year, and spends her reign honoring the community, making presentations, and meeting government officials. This year’s Miss Valetine is Ellen Colpitts, and she will receive scholarship funds toward her college education awarded from Ted and Mable Thompson’s trust. Click here to see some of her yearlong efforts and the criteria Miss Loveland Valentine is required to follow.

Valentine’s Day in the Sweetheart City is also celebrated with Loveland’s annual Fire & Ice Festival. The festival features a light show, fireworks, Valentine-themed lighting throughout downtown, musical performances and the famous annual Snow and Ice Sculpting Event.

Packed with rich history, unique traditions and exciting events, Loveland is the place to be with your loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Eager to make Valentine’s Day in the Sweetheart City a repeat tradition? Come tour The Lakes at Centerra to discover new homes in Loveland ready for your family to fall in love with.