Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2024
  
Score Big in Love: Annual Loveland Valentine’s Day Group Wedding Offers Couples a Shot at a Lifetime of Happiness

Hearts will melt at Loveland's 8th Annual Valentine's Day Wedding and Vow Renewal Ceremony on February 14th, 2024.
 
Love is taking center stage as BIG DEAL Company proudly presents the most enchanting celebration in Loveland – the Sweetheart City! In its 8th year, this event has already united over 300 couples in the spirit of love and commitment.
 
But hold on, lovebirds! The year 2024 is turning up the heat with an unprecedented twist – a chance to say "I do" ON THE ICE before a thrilling Eagles hockey game! Teaming up with The Colorado Eagles and Visit Loveland, BIG DEAL Company, supported by local Loveland businesses, the chamber, and the city, is orchestrating a truly magical wedding experience.
 
And that's not all – every participating couple stands a chance to win a huge gift basket of prizes and unforgettable experiences valued at over $4,000! Picture yourself in custom Eagles hockey jerseys, riding the Fanboni, hitting the starting buzzer for the game, celebrating with your wedding party in a private suite during the hockey game, and stealing the spotlight during “NoCo’s Biggest Kiss” on the Kiss Cam!
 
Led by the charismatic Todd Harding, legendary radio host, and serenaded by the soulful tunes of Branden Sipes – this custom wedding ceremony promises to leave not a dry eye. The music? It's up to the registered couples to vote on the soundtrack of their special day. It's no wonder some romantics have made this event an annual tradition!
 
All of this for just $160 per couple. Guests will receive an unforgettable experience complete with photos, a personalized ceremony, music, and a treasure trove of gifts and prizes. Hosted by BIG DEAL Company, with the backing of numerous city and local small business partners, this is the ultimate way to spread the love on Valentine's Day in the Sweetheart City.
 
Say "I DO" for the first time or again and again at The Loveland Valentine's Day and Vow Renewal Ceremony! Tickets: ValentinesDayInLoveland.com
 
The Loveland Valentine’s Day Group Wedding is brought to you by BIG DEAL Company and is supported by The Colorado Eagles, Visit Loveland and the Loveland Chamber.
Media Contact: Christine Forster  (970) 613-1455  [email protected]

Loveland, Colo. hosts the largest Valentine Re-mailing Program, the beloved Sweetheart Festival,
Group Wedding (on ice) and more each February
 
In Loveland, Colorado, known as the Sweetheart City, the Valentine season is officially underway. This morning, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, Visit Loveland, and their partners revealed the details and arrangements for the 78th annual Valentine season. The festivities include the Valentine Re-Mailing Program, the Sweetheart Festival, exclusive offerings such as Valentine-themed wine, beer, candy, and coffee, the Loveland Sweetheart Classic 4-mile race, and the Valentine Group Wedding. This unique wedding event will take place on the ice of the Blue Arena just before the Sweetheart Game featuring AHL hockey's Colorado Eagles on February 14. All these Valentine season activities and events are scheduled throughout the month of February.
 
"We are thrilled to mark our 78th year of sending love across the globe. Still today, the Valentine season remains enchanting in Loveland. There's no better way to propagate love, joy, and hope than through a heartfelt Valentine sent from the Sweetheart City. The designs and verses chosen this year embody Loveland's commitment to spreading love and kindness. It is particularly significant to continue sharing this time-honored tradition with the world, emphasizing that love is the greatest gift we can both give and receive." – Mindy McCloughan, Loveland Chamber President

Loveland’s Valentine Re-Mailing Program
The 2024 official Loveland Valentine card, collector’s stamp (also known as a cachet) and postmark have been announced. The collector’s stamp and postmark will be stamped on every piece of mail that comes through the program. Loveland receives around 100,000 Valentines annually from all 50 states and 110 countries across the world through its Valentine Re-mailing Program, the largest program of its kind. Sponsors and volunteers handstamp the collector’s stamp and postmark onto each individual Valentine that comes through the city’s post office. 
 
2024 Collector’s Envelope Artwork, Remailing Program Deadlines Announced
The 2024 collector’s envelope artwork was designed by Corry McDowell  and includes the following verse written by Jeani Bork:  
We are on our annual mission
Promoting love, as is our tradition.
Love is our message - Hearts are our brand.
Happy Valentine’s Day from the City of LOVEland.
 
Sending Valentine’s Through Loveland, Colorado:
To get this special 2024 collector’s envelope artwork and postmark, package pre-addressed, pre-stamped Valentines in a larger First Class envelope. Send the envelope to Postmaster - Attention Valentines, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538-9998. Once received, Valentines will be removed from the larger envelope and hand-stamped before being re-mailed to intended recipients. 
The official Valentine drop location sponsors include Independent Financial and Elevations Credit Union. Drop off self-addressed, stamped Valentine envelopes at any of these locations, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, Visitor’s Center and The Loveland Post Office (446 E. 29th St. Loveland, CO 80538) & (601 Cleveland Ave Loveland, CO 80537)
The Post Office will be accepting Valentines to be dropped off in the red mailbox displayed in the lobby from January 16-February 9, 2024
 
Mailing Deadlines:
Important Deadline Dates - Loveland Re-Mailing Program:
February 1, 2024, ~ for International Mail deadline
February 5, 2024, ~ Continental U.S deadline
February 7, 2024, ~ Colorado deadline (within the state)

​Valentine Season Events & Experiences 
The Loveland Sweetheart Festival
Feb. 10, 2024
Celebrate all things LOVE in the Sweetheart City at the 6th annual Loveland Sweetheart Festival, returning February 10th, 2024. Bring the family or your sweetheart for FREE fun in the Sweetheart City, including a day full of LIVE Ice carving and art and fire sculpture demonstrations, musical and dance performances on our community stage and our romantic headliners Spinphony at the Historic Rialto Theater.  Fun for the whole family at the Kids zone including oversized building bricks, outdoor games and even a community mural.  Don’t miss the Tunnel of Love, Food Trucks, The Palace of Sweets, The Sweetheart Classic 4-miler, the Little Miss Valentine and Little Mr. Cupid contest. The festival is an extension of Loveland’s 77+ year history in the nation’s Sweetheart City. The festival features something for everyone - families, couples and chocolate lovers, running lovers, art lovers, and forever loves.  Festival Hours 10am – 8pm,  Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. 
 
Loveland Lights at Chapungu
February 1st - 18th SPECIAL LIVE NIGHT on February 17th
 On February 1st, Visit Loveland will transition the lights from Winter Wonderlights over to red and pink and fill the Chapungu Sculpture Park with Hearts, Love photo ops, decor and a 30 minute light show set to your favorite LOVE songs.  The show runs nightly from 5-9pm. New this year -  Close out the Sweetheart City’s celebration of love with a special date night under the stars! Enjoy a special LIVE event at Loveland Lights at Chapungu Sculpture Park, Saturday, February 17 from 6-9pm. Wander the love-inspired twinkle lights while being entertained by dueling pianos, sampling wine and beer tastings and more!  Make it a night to remember with your love. The event is free and open to the general public, drink tickets for sale onsite for 21+ only.  This experience is brought to you by the Centerra Engagement Assembly, and made possible with partners at Visit Loveland and Townsquare Media.

Colorado Eagles Hockey Sweetheart Game
The Colorado Eagles and the City of Loveland are excited to team up for the Sweetheart Game on Wednesday, February 14th vs. the Bakersfield Condors. For the second season in a row the Eagles will host a game on Valentines Day and will feature fun for all at Blue Arena in the Sweetheart City. Events to include:
●       Fans can enter to win one of 150 “Sweetheart City Packs” via Eagles social media beginning the last week in January to include two (2) tickets to the game and a gift bag from Visit Loveland.
●       Pregame Wedding on the Ice: 4pm 50+ couples will tie the knot or renew their vows on the ice of Blue Arena.
●       Red and Pink light up sticks provided by the City of Loveland on Entrance of the game for the first 2500 fans in attendance.
●       Stop by the Visit Loveland booth and show which person or player you Love by filing out a “I Love _______” sign.
●       Take part in Northern Colorado’s Biggest Valentine Kiss during a stoppage in play.
●       The Sweetheart Pack returns in early January where fans can purchase 2 tickets and $20 in concessions for just $60 to the Sweetheart game on Valentines Day. To learn more or purchase tickets visit ColoradoEagles.com or the Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies Box Office at Blue Arena.

​Valentine Group Wedding
Feb. 14, 2024
Loveland's eighth annual celebration of commitment to love returns, promising an even more enhanced experience for 2024. For those seeking a unique and distinctive wedding affair and an unforgettable venue, the group wedding is the ticket. Teaming up with the Colorado Eagles, the AHL affiliate hockey team of the Avalanche, couples have the opportunity to exchange or renew their vows in a communal setting on the ice before the Visit Loveland/Colorado Eagles Sweetheart hockey game on February 14th at Loveland's Blue Arena. The ceremony encompasses music chosen by guests, a personalized ceremony, commemorative photos, gift bags, special wedding cupcakes, a symbolic love lock for Loveland's iconic LOVE or HEART sculptures, and a chance to win a huge gift basket. Additionally, the package includes tickets to the Eagles game later in the evening following the on-ice ceremony. Cost is $160 per couple and registration is limited. Loveland’s Valentine’s Day Group Wedding is hosted by BIG DEAL Company, in partnership with the Colorado Eagles, Visit Loveland and the Loveland Chamber.

​2024 Sweetheart Classic Race
Feb. 10, 2024
The Loveland Sweetheart Classic is a staple race in the Loveland community taking place from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Downtown Loveland. Sweetheart City Racing is excited to bring the community this 4 mile run/walk presented by Redemption Church, as part of the Sweetheart City festivities. With a brand new course that will take participants from downtown, in the heart of the Sweetheart Festival, off on a scenic tour. Participants can run or walk as an individual or as a couple. A brand new race course will be unveiled online in the coming days.

Heartfelt Indulgences
2024 Loveland Valentine Wine
Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center will be featuring their annual limited release Valentine wine. It’s a 2021 Malbec aged on French Oak.

2043 Loveland Valentine Coffee
The Loveland Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Top of the Lake Coffee to produce the 2024 official Loveland Valentine coffee. Top of The Lake Coffee is proud to announce the 2024 sweetheart coffee flavor; Vanilla Macadamia Nut. It will be sold at the Loveland Visitors Center. 

​2024 Valentine Beer
Grimm Brothers is thrilled to be brewing their annual Valentines Day Beer for the Sweetheart City, The Bleeding Heart 2024. This year they are going back to the beginning - it will be a chocolate cherry porter which was the flavor of the very first Bleeding Heart brewed back in 2012.

2024 Valentine Candy
Colorado Candy Company is proud to feature a heart shaped candy that is chocolate cherry flavored. This will be made ONLY for the sweetheart city and sold at Centerra Hallmark and Loveland Visitors Center.

​2024 Valentine Mailing Contributors
Miss Loveland Valentine 2024 – McKayley Lane
Since 1962, Loveland has been selecting a Miss Loveland Valentine. We are proud to announce McKayley Lane is our 62nd Miss Loveland Valentine. With honor and pride McKayley will represent the community of Loveland throughout the 2024 year. She also receives scholarship funds toward her college education awarded from a trust established by the founders of the Loveland Valentine Program, Ted and Mabel Thompson. Miss Valentine, McKayley Lane, is Loveland’s spokesperson, as she makes many presentations throughout the community.
​
Tiffany Villavicencio, owner of Mountain Wave Marketing, is thrilled to have her design selected for this year's coveted Valentine card for the City of Loveland. As the proud designer, she poured her heart into crafting a masterpiece that encapsulated the essence and beauty of Loveland, while paying homage to the unique remailing program that has been going strong for 78 years now! Having grown up in Loveland, and still residing in northern Colorado, she is honored to contribute to the tradition of spreading love and joy in Loveland and around the world, making this Valentine's Day an unforgettable experience for her.
 
Corry McDowell, art designer for this year’s cachet and postal cancellation stamp has been a resident of Loveland since 1972. Married to Ray McDowell and mother of five, Corry also has been a day-care mom for twenty years. Graduating from Ferris State College, Corry used her degree in Commercial Art at the Alco Discount Store Advertising Dept. Corry entered some designs for the Valentine program at the prompting of a friend. In 1996 she was surprised to hear that the Chamber liked her ideas. Corry has had her card design used seven times, her cachet design chosen 20 times, and the postal cancellation design selected 12 times. Corry says “It has been a pleasure entering my designs for the Valentine Remailing Program contests over the years, being a part of touching the world with love from Loveland.”
 
Brenda S. Glover moved to Loveland in 2004.  After 37 years working at Anthem and IBM, she retired as an IT Specialist.  Upon retiring, she volunteered at the Loveland Visitors Center, and then was hired as a part-time clerk, working for 5 years. Again in retirement now, she volunteers with the Friends of the Loveland Library and is part of the Windsor Museum Curator Crew.  She is also on the HOA board in her community.  Brenda enjoys taking art classes, making art, reading, concerts, music, movies, and traveling.  Brenda is thrilled and excited to have her verse selected for the 2024 Valentine.  She believes that the Valentine Remailing Program is one of the wonderful reflections of the Loveland community.
 
Jeani Bork’s roots run deep for the Loveland remailing program.  Back in the 80's was Jeani’s first exposure to the program through work at King Soopers. She never gave much thought to the Valentine Card verse or Cachet verse, until she saw the Reporter Herald announcement in 2018 calling for entries for the Valentine card and cachet for 2019 .Jeani submitted a card verse and it was selected for the 2019 Valentine Card. She then submitted a card verse for 2020.  It, too, was selected.  Jeani has continued to submit verses for the card and cachet. Her cachet verse was selected for 2022 and again this year 2024. Jeani  loves the City of Loveland (Sweetheart City), her home since 1977. 
 
###
 
About the Loveland Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1902, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce is northern Colorado’s “driving force for business.” Comprised of more than 650 local companies, the chamber offers a vast array of educational and networking programs to help its investors, both large and small, gain the skills and resources necessary to thrive and prosper in today's economy. As a founding member of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance (NCLA), the chamber also serves as an advocate for business, working on behalf of entrepreneurs to lead and influence local, state, and federal policy on issues affecting the unique interests of business in northern Colorado. For more information on the Loveland Chamber, please call 970-667-6311 or visit loveland.org. 
 
About Visit Loveland
The mission of Visit Loveland is to enthusiastically promote, market, and sell Loveland, Colorado as a destination for meetings, conventions, and individual travelers, fostering economic development and benefiting and supporting members and the overall business community. It is Visit Loveland’s goal to promote tourism, conventions, and related activities within the city by marketing the city and sponsoring destination and community events. Learn more at VisitLovelandCO.com. 

MEDIA ALERT
Press Conference Invitation: Tuesday, January 2, 2024, 9am MT
Exclusive First Look of Loveland’s 78th Anniversary Valentine Season Details
Includes unveiling of 2024 Valentine Re-Mailing Program card, cachet and stamp; annual Sweetheart Festival details; annual Group Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony information
 
LOVELAND, Colo. – December 20, 2023 – In Loveland, Colorado, the nation’s Sweetheart City, Valentine season starts now. The Loveland Chamber of Commerce and Visit Loveland Colorado are kicking off Loveland’s 2024 Valentine Season with a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.
 
What: Loveland Valentine Season 78th Anniversary Press Conference
When: 9 a.m. MDT, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024
Where: Home Run Bar & Grill inside Blue Arena (5290 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO).
 
Details: Get an exclusive first look at the internationally anticipated 2024 Loveland Valentine card, collector envelope artwork (cachet), and postmark, while discovering key deadlines for the upcoming Loveland Valentine Re-Mailing Program. Dive into the exciting details surrounding the 2024 Sweetheart Festival, featuring the Sweetheart 4-Miler Race and a unique Valentine Group Wedding set against the icy backdrop of Blue Arena, just before the AHL Colorado Eagles' hockey game on Feb. 14th.

As the epicenter of a global tradition, Loveland receives an impressive 100,000 Valentines annually, seeking the coveted cachet stamp and postmark. Proudly holding the title of the largest event of its kind in the nation, the Loveland Valentine Re-mailing Program has become a symbol of love and connection. Likewise, the Loveland Sweetheart Festival stands as the largest Valentine’s Day celebration nationwide.

Press attendees will have the opportunity to capture up-close photos of the card, cachet, and postmark, all of which will be unveiled on the jumbotron screen at the Budweiser Event Center. Media representatives are invited to participate, gaining first access to revealed Valentine elements. A comprehensive press release, containing all details disclosed during the unveiling, along with a link to B-roll and high-resolution photos from the press conference and various Valentine Season events, will be distributed to the media following the Jan. 2 press conference. Be part of this momentous occasion and share in the excitement of Loveland's cherished Valentine traditions.
​
***Press attendees who attend also receive a Valentine Gift Bag from Visit Loveland and event vendors.
Thank you for your continued support of this program. We look forward to seeing you there!
 
Please RSVP:
Christine Forster | BIG DEAL Company | [email protected] | 970-613-1455
 
Press Questions can be directed to:
Mindy McCloughan | Loveland Chamber of Commerce | [email protected] | 970-744-4791

About the Loveland Valentine's Day Wedding

Loveland’s Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony
***Sweetheart Eagles Hockey Game***
Tuesday, February 14th, 2023
The Budweiser Events Center - Eagles Hockey Game
5290 Arena Cir, Loveland, CO 80538


Ceremony Time: 4pm 
Game Starts at 7pm

The Loveland Annual Valentine's Day Group Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony:
A romantic ceremony with music you vote on, a customized ceremony, keepsake photos, a LOCK couples can use to "Lock their love" on the famous LOVE sculpture or HEART sculpture in Loveland, gift bags, signature wedding cupcakes, and a chance to win a huge gift basket!  What an original way to celebrate your love ON Valentine's Day!


2023 brings a once in a lifetime opportunity to get married ON THE ICE at The Budweiser Event Center - prior to an Eagles Hockey Game!
*Registration must be made online in advance

​Wedding & Vow Renewal Package
$140 per couple

• Custom Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony in the Sweetheart City, Loveland CO

• Romantic Ceremony & Background Music
• Your Marriage Certificate Signed by the Officiant

• Signature Wedding Cupcakes from B Sweet Cupcakes
• Gift Bag from Participating Loveland Businesses 
• Keepsake Photo with Custom Backdrop 
• Keepsake Lock you can Use to Permanently 'Lock your Love' on the Famous Loveland Sculpture from Visit Loveland!

• A Chance to Win a BIG Gift Basket from Local Businesses!
• Tickets for you to Attend the Eagles Hockey Game After Your Ceremony!
• Discounted game tickets for your family (limited number)
• ​A Chance to Win a Ride in the VANBONI During the Hockey Game.

​TICKETS
​

Thank you to all the news outlets who have covered all of the amazing things going on in Loveland, CO on Valentine's Day (and in the month of February!) We love being part of the LOVE shared in the Sweetheart City!

Press Release:

Love is in the Air - and the Mail - This Valentine's Day as Loveland, Colorado Launches 74th Valentine Season

The Loveland Chamber of Commerce and Visit Loveland have unveiled details and plans for the 74th year of the valentine program in Loveland, the nation's Sweetheart City. All activities and events happen during the first two weeks of February.

Loveland's Valentine Re-Mailing Program
2020 kicks off the 74th annual valentine re-mailing program, the largest program of its kind. A group of 50 volunteers hand stamps the postmark and collectors envelope artwork on each of approximately 120,000 valentines mailed through Loveland from all 50 states and 110 countries across the world.
The 2020 collectors envelope stamp was designed by Corry McDowell. It includes a verse written by Teresa Boynton: "Dan Cupid continues to play his part. Though he doesn't text or tweet, he knows a Loveland Valentine is a sweeter treat."
Valentine Re-Mailing Program deadlines
To get this special postmark and message, send pre-addressed, pre-stamped valentines in an enclosed, larger 1st class envelope to Postmaster - Attention Valentines, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538-9998. Once received valentines will be stamped before being remailed to intended recipients. Mail needs to be received in Loveland by the following deadlines to ensure receipt by Valentine's Day.

• International mail: Feb. 1
• U.S. mail: Feb. 7
• Colorado mail: Feb. 10

Lock your love on two love lock sculptures
Loveland has unveiled its second love lock sculpture which will sit downtown through the Sweetheart Festival before moving to Lake Loveland. The 12-foot-3-inch-tall, 14-foot-3-inch-wide steel sculpture is a simple, heart design created and constructed locally. Love locks sell for $20 at the Visitors Center, where visitors can also see Colorado's largest love lock sculpture. Love locks are a symbol of love and commitment inspired by an ancient custom to symbolically lock your love forever.

Celebrate at the nation's largest Valentine's Day festival
Spend Valentine's Day at the free Loveland Sweetheart Festival Feb. 14-15 in downtown Loveland. Bring the family or sweetheart for free fun including a special effects laser light show, live entertainment, Palace of Sweets, Kids Street, Tunnel of Love, interactive art projects, Sweetheart Classic 4-miler and Little Miss Valentine/Little Mr. Cupid contest. The festival features something for everyone – families; couples; beer, wine and chocolate lovers; running lovers and art lovers.

Valentine's Day Group Wedding
Say "I Do" in the land of love. The group wedding features a romantic, candlelit ceremony with music and readings voted on by wedding couples, a customized ceremony, keepsake photos, a love lock for the new love lock sculpture and more.
These are just a few ways to share your love from or in Loveland this season. Learn more about Loveland's valentine history online at loveland.org or plan your valentine experience including valentine wine, beer and a group wedding at VisitLovelandCO.com.
​
About the Loveland Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1902, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce is northern Colorado's "driving force for business." Comprised of more than 750 local companies, the chamber offers a vast array of educational and networking programs to help its investors, both large and small, gain the skills and resources necessary to thrive and prosper in today's economy. As a founding member of the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance (NCLA), the chamber also serves as an advocate for business, working on behalf of entrepreneurs to lead and influence local, state and federal policy on issues affecting the unique interests of business in northern Colorado. For more information on the Loveland Chamber, please call 970-667-6311 or visit loveland.org.

Colorado’s own Sweetheart City will once again be offering couples the chance to get married or renew their vows in a group celebration of love.  This Valentine’s Day event will take place in the heart of the city, with the Foote Lagoon Amphitheater serving as a romantic backdrop at sunset. Couples will have the opportunity to declare their promise of love through wedding vows or renewed promises, officiated by local celebrity and K99 radio host, Todd Harding.  Participants and guests will be serenaded by singer-songwriter and musical talent, Brandon Snipes. Vows will take place among rose petals and candlelight at sunset.  
 
Check in for the event begins at 3:00 PM and will take place at the Loveland Library.  The ceremony will begin at 5:30 PM at the Foot Lagoon Amphitheater.  Interested couples can gather more information and register for the group event at the Valentine’s Day in Loveland website: http://www.valentinesdayinloveland.com or at the event’s sponsor and planner, My Big Day Events Company site: https://www.mybigdaycompany.com
 
What could be more romantic that saying “I Do” in America’s own Sweetheart City?
 
 
Registration is open now. For more information go to ValentinesDayinLoveland.com.
 
The Loveland Valentine’s Day Group Wedding is brought to you by My Big Day, LLC, and has been endorsed by Visit Loveland.