Why is December 1st So Important Every Year in Loveland?

With all the days on the calendar that Coloradans need to keep track of throughout the year, there's one the most would overlook. You would think that most Lovelanders know the date, but many do not.

Without question, Loveland is known for two things: Sculptures and Valentine's Day. The Sweetheart City does love embracing the art community and does wrap its arms around the celebration of love, every year. Not only do both mean a lot to the to city, but both are big contributors to the economy.

READ MORE: The Loveland McWhinney Brothers - Their Origin Story

While the [generally] small community of artists who want to submit for Sculpture in the Park every year know that January 31 is the deadline to get entries in, there are all lot more people who might want to participate in something else in Loveland, but do not know an important date associated with it.

Who's in Charge of the Valentine Hearts That Loveland, Colorado Puts Up?

For over four decades, the Thompson Valley Rotary has sold the giant Valentine Hearts that get put onto streetlights in Loveland each Valentine's Day season. Every year it seems they sell more and more: In 2026 I noticed new ones on streetlights along Rocky Mountain Avenue near MCR and Nutrien, but they're mostly along Highway 34 and Highway 287 each year.

When Do the Streetlight Valentine Hearts Go on Sale in Loveland?

I have a friend who reached out asking, when she saw the hearts up, "How can I get one of those?" The honest truth is, by the time you see the Valentines on the streetlights, you're too late. Much too late. The Thompson Valley Rotary opens the sales of the hearts (which is always a pre-determined, limited amount) at Midnight on December 1 of each year. Usually, only hours later, they're all sold out.