In the charming city of Loveland, Colorado, love takes center stage on Valentine's Day. Known as the 'Sweetheart City,' Loveland has become a global destination for couples looking to add a special touch to their Valentine's Day cards. For nearly eight decades, the tradition of re-mailing Valentine's Day cards has flourished, making Loveland home to the largest re-mailing program of its kind in the world.
Every year, tens of thousands of people from around the globe send their Valentine's Day cards to Loveland. They hope to receive a unique inscription and the coveted Loveland postmark, adding an extra touch of romance to their heartfelt messages. According to Mindy McCloughan, the president and CEO of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, the re-mailing tradition has become a celebrated tradition that brings joy to both senders and recipients.
This program, which at its peak processed over 300,000 cards per year, has seen a decline in recent years due to the rise of email and social media messaging. However, a dedicated group of volunteers in Valentine's-themed attire remains committed to keeping the tradition alive. These enthusiastic individuals gather before Valentine's Day to stamp thousands of envelopes with the special postmark and a delightful cachet that reads, 'Love is our message - Hearts are our brand. Happy Valentine's Day from the City of LOVEland.'
Among these volunteers is 89-year-old Joyce Boston, who has been participating in the re-mailing program since 1997. When asked about her motivations, Joyce spoke about the sense of fulfillment she derives from spreading love and making new friends through her volunteer work. 'It keeps me, gives me a reason to keep living. Yeah. Keeps me young,' she said with a smile.
The re-mailing program is just one of the ways Loveland fully embraces the spirit of Valentine's Day. The city also hosts a Sweetheart Festival, crowns a Miss Loveland Valentine, and decorates its streets year-round with heart-shaped ornaments adorning lamp posts and vibrant murals. Visitors to Loveland can also find a large metal 'Love' sign at the visitors' center, which has become a symbol of the city's commitment to spreading love and happiness.
'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 the time when it's needed most?' McCloughan reflects on the significance of the re-mailing program. The Loveland re-mailing program receives cards from all 50 states in the U.S. and 110 countries, making it a truly global expression of love.
As Valentine's Day approaches each year, Loveland transforms into a beacon of love, reminding people of the power that a simple gesture can hold. Through the re-mailing program and various Valentine's Day festivities, Loveland continues to inspire others to embrace love, compassion, and hope, creating a lasting impact on both its residents and visitors from around the world.
