Loveland, the Sweetheart City, Spreads Love and Tradition on Valentine's Day
Every year, Loveland, Colorado, becomes the epicenter of Valentine's Day celebrations. Tens of thousands of people from all corners of the globe send their heartfelt Valentine's Day cards to Loveland, also known as the "Sweetheart City," to receive a special inscription and the coveted Loveland postmark.
This re-mailing tradition, which has been going on for almost 80 years, is the largest of its kind in the world, according to Mindy McCloughan, president and CEO of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.
A volunteer stamps Valentine’s Day cards in Loveland, Colorado, on 7 February. (Loveland/Facebook)
At its peak, volunteers in the program processed an impressive 300,000 pieces of mail each year.
However, with the rise of email and social media messaging, the number has decreased to around 100,000 to 125,000. Nevertheless, dedicated volunteers dressed in Valentine's-themed attire gather before the big day to meticulously stamp thousands of envelopes with the special Loveland postmark and cachet.
The cachet proudly proclaims, "Love is our message — Hearts are our brand. Happy Valentine's Day from the City of LOVEland." It serves as a symbol of the city's commitment to spreading love and joy on this special day.
One of the remarkable volunteers, 89-year-old Joyce Boston, has been stamping envelopes since 1997. When asked about her motivation, she enthusiastically told NBC News, "What do I get out of it? A lot of new friends. Friendship. Spreading love. I love spreading love. And I love doing volunteer work. It keeps me, gives me a reason to keep living. Yeah. Keeps me young."
Beyond the re-mailing program, Loveland hosts a delightful Sweetheart Festival, crowns a Miss Loveland Valentine, and adorns its streets year-round with hearts attached to lampposts and showcased in murals.
Lock Your Love on a LOVE LOCKS Sculpture. (Loveland/Facebook)
Visitors to the city can also find a large metal "Love" sign at the visitors' center, where they can attach padlocks engraved with names and messages of love, symbolizing the everlasting bonds of affection.
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"In a time when there is such uncertainty in the world, what greater thing to do than to share love and compassion and hope with those around the world when it's just time when it's needed most?" McCloughan reflects on the significance of the program. Loveland's re-mailing initiative receives heartfelt messages from all 50 states and an astonishing 110 countries, showcasing the universal desire for love and connection.
Happy Valentine's Day!
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