by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Love is in the air in the city of Loveland as February is almost here! Loveland is getting prepared for Valentine’s Day the “Sweetheart of Ohio” way and of course what is a better way to celebrate than attending Loveland’s 1st Hearts Afire Weekend!

The Hearts Afire Weekend will take place February 11th-13th with the majority of the “lovely” activities occurring on Saturday, February 12th. Most of the businesses in Downtown Loveland and on the outskirts of the city will be participating in the Valentine’s Day Weekend festivities!

“Many say that Loveland feels like a Hallmark movie in February because of our name,” said Loveland’s Mayor, Kathy Bailey. “Since our town is nicknamed the ‘Sweetheart of Ohio,’ we officially want to hold an event to celebrate and invite everyone to visit us!”

Beautiful Gingerbread Ice Sculpture, photo taken by “Rock on Ice”
“Frozen” character Ice Sculpture, photo taken by “Rock on Ice”
Gorgeous Snowflake Ice Sculpture, photo taken by “Rock on Ice”

The Hearts Afire Weekend is set to have a plethora of heart-filled activities including carriage rides, pristine ice sculptures, outdoor Valentine’s Day decorations, live entertainment, and fire performers. Here are the latest details on what you can expect from Hearts Afire Weekend:

Friday, February 11th

  • Loveland General Store & Eads Fence – Valentine Photo Contest: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • “Take your most creative valentine photo and check in on Facebook with your photo! The most liked photo will win a 1-night stay at Loveland Farm Airbnb & Event Venue!”
  • Oasis Golf & Conference Center – Annual Valentine Breakfast: 8:30-10:30 a.m.
    • “The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance will honor the 2022 Valentine Lady and announce winners of the annual poetry and art contests.”
    • ?️ Purchase Tickets
  • Hometown Café – Kids Valentine Craft Party: 5-7 p.m.
    • “Create and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a cute craft. This is perfect for kids ages 6-12, and siblings are $5 off. The ticket includes all your supplies, step-by-step instructions, and a snack from Hometown Café.”
    • ?️ Purchase Tickets
  • Downtown Loveland – Galentine Night: 5-8 p.m.
    • “Visit downtown’s shops for chocolate treats, a gift basket giveaway, and shopping specials. The Old School Pix vintage truck will be parked outside Trailside Provisions and decorated for Valentine’s Day pictures!”
    • “The following shops will be participating in this event: Alley Boutique, Blume, Busy Bee Boutique, Haven Grey, Lemons & Limes, Loveland Sweet Shoppe, Trailside Provisions, and Welling & Co. Jewelers.“
  • Art House II – Art Open House Sale + Raffle: 5-9 p.m.
    • “Art House II is hosting an Open House through the weekend, featuring a sale and raffle. Galleries of original Loveland art will be 15% off. Every visitor will be entered in a raffle to win a Giclee Print on stretched canvas depicting the Tano block on W. Loveland Ave. before the fire. The drawing will be Sunday at 4 p.m. (do not need to be present to win).”
  • Art House II – Thru the Eyes of Your Beloved: 6 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
    • “This workshop is an artistic celebration of couples, love, and fun. Start with an optional sip of wine; then sit across from each other at your own easel. Everyone has their own acrylic paints, sets of brushes, and an 11×14 stretched canvas. Paint your beloved as you see them. Neither sees the other’s painting until the end of the work time (35-45 minutes). This is NOT a class, although an Art House II resident will be near if needed. Painters can go for reality or can capture the “spirit” of their beloved. Anything goes! Paintings can be taken with you, picked up later, or picked up the next day so that painters can move on to other activities around the city.) Art House II can accommodate up to four couples per session. Come with friends for even more fun! Allow an hour for a glass of wine, basic use of materials, painting, unveiling of the masterworks, and clean up. Click here to download flier. Inclusive cost is $40 per couple.”
    • “Please call (513) 313-2450 to reserve your spot.”
  • Cappy’s Wine and Spirits – Cappy’s Charity Date Auction: 6-10 p.m.
    • “Cappy’s will kick off the night with live music on the patio. Eligible dates (store employees, beer/wine reps, and some familiar faces) will walk the red carpet, while those in attendance place their highest bids at the Band’s set break for a night out in Loveland!”
    • “The minimum bid will be $50. All proceeds will go towards Furgotten Dog Rescue. Bid on a date on Sat., Feb. 12th or Sun., Feb. 13th.”
    • “The date will feature a champagne toast at Cappy’s, chocolate-covered strawberries from Cocoa Bites, a mini-shopping spree at Lemons & Limes, and a small plate from Rodi.”
    • “Fireworks will be set of on Saturday night.”
  • “The Building,” a flexible mult-use space along the Loveland Bike Trail – Couples Painting Class: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
    • “Bring your sweetheart to create a lasting memory together! Two canvases match together to form one cute picture together.”
    • “The design will be Dolphin Love.”
    • ?️ Purchase Tickets
  • Hometown Café – Pick Your Project/DIY Craft Night: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
    • “Pick from several different sign-making options, or learn how to etch your own set of glasses.“
    • ?️ Purchase Tickets

Saturday, February 12th

  • Loveland General Store & Eads Fence – Valentine Photo Contest: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • “Take your most creative valentine photo and check in on Facebook with your photo! The most liked photo will win a 1-night stay at Loveland Farm Airbnb & Event Venue!”
  • Hometown Café – Story Time with the Valentine Ladies: 10 a.m.
    • “Loveland’s Valentine Ladies will read a special children’s story.”
  • Downtown Loveland – Food Trucks: Starting at 10 a.m.
    • Mile 42 Coffee – Dolph’s Dogs – 3-6 p.m.
    • Parking lot of Loveland Regional Animal Hospital (300 W. Loveland Ave.) – The Chili Hut – 4-8 p.m.
    • Parking lot of Loveland Regional Animal Hospital (300 W. Loveland Ave.) – SEA Cuisine – 4-10 p.m.
  • Loveland Branch Library – Valentine Scavenger Hunt: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Fraternal Order of Eagles – Cupid’s Kisses: 11 a.m.
    • “The Eagles will open to the public for drink specials including fireball shots.”
  • Loveland Branch Library – Make Your Own Valentine: 11 a.m. – Noon
  • Loveland Art Studios on Main – Artists’ Love Stories: The Power of Creative Partnerships: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 
    • “Select studio residents will hold an Open House to celebrate ‘Artists’ Love Stories: The Power of Creative Partnerships.’ Community painting participation will be offered. Guests can help create large-scale pieces in artists’ styles, such as the iconic couple Jackson Pollock and Lee Kranz. We’ll have large trash bags to protect your clothing and disposable gloves available for free! We’ll also offer canvases and supplies for creating individual masterpieces for a fee as long as supplies last.”
  • Eads’ Fencing Outdoor Area – “Puppy Love” Pet Adoptions: 12-5 p.m.
    • “Meet a new furry friend from Furgotten Dog Rescue. Furgotten Dog Rescue’s mission is to rescue, educate, and advocate for the ‘unlovable’ shelter dogs that are left behind because of their breed, age, appearance, and special needs.”
  • Loveland Branch Library – Valentine Button Making: 1-2 p.m.
  • “The Building,” a flexible mult-use space along the Loveland Bike Trail – Mommy & Me/Daddy & Me Painting Class: 1-3 p.m.
    • “Paint a sweet llama portrait together with a parent! Perfect for kids ages 6-10. This class will be taught by Elizabeth Mason of Painting with the Psalms. There will be two llama designs to choose from.“
    • ?️ Purchase Tickets
  • Whistle Stop Clay Works – Heart Painting: 1-4 p.m.
    • “February 12th is the International Day of Clay! Celebrate with free hearts to paint. (Pick-up will be two weeks later.)“
  • Loveland Station Apartments “Community Room” – Love and Attraction Spell Workshop: 1-4:30 p.m.
    • “Francine Haydon will host 2 45-minute “Love and Attraction Spell” workshops at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.”
    • “Workshops will cost $20 per person.”
    • “From 2-4 p.m. Francine will host 10-minute mini ‘Love and Life’ intuitive Tarot Card Readings.”
    • “Tarot Card Readings will cost $20 per person.”
    • “Will accept Cash, Venmo, or Credit Card.”
    • “Sign up for the workshops here!“
  • Lobby of Loveland Stage Company – Kitty Kissing Booth: 1-5 p.m.
  • Loveland Station Apartments “Community Room” – Tarot Card Readings: 2-4 p.m.
    • “Is love in your future? What do the cards say? Sit down with professional tarot and palm reader Francine Haydon for a 10-minute mini “Love and Life” intuitive card reading. Walk-in — first come, first served. Cost is $20 per person, payable at the door by cash, credit, or Venmo. Readings will be held in the Community Room of Loveland Station Apartments (110 S. Second St.).”
    • “Francine Haydon is a professional tarot and palm reader; energy worker; Free Soul counselor and instructor; and ordained minister who has been practicing and teaching metaphysical and spiritual subjects for more than 20 years.  She works out of her home in Union Township and Enchanted Moments in Milford.”
  • Loveland Branch Library – Makerspace & Take: Valentine Wine Bags: 2:30-4 p.m.
  • Art House II – Art Open House Sale + Raffle: 3-9 p.m.
    • “Art House II is hosting an Open House through the weekend, featuring a sale and raffle. Galleries of original Loveland art will be 15% off. Every visitor will be entered in a raffle to win a Giclee Print on stretched canvas depicting the Tano block on W. Loveland Ave. before the fire. The drawing will be Sunday at 4 p.m. (do not need to be present to win).”
  • Fountain Greene (In front of Fleet Feet/JackRabbit) – L.O.V.E. Dance Party: 4 p.m.
  • Downtown Loveland – King & Queen of Hearts: 4-6 p.m.
    • “Loveland’s King and Queen of Hearts will be spreading love to each and every person throughout the Downtown area!”
  • Hometown Café – Warm Up Your Heart Hot Chocolate Bar:: 4-8 p.m.
    • “Hometown will have a hot chocolate bar and loaded sweet potato chips (pulled pork bbq and other toppings) on the patio!”
    • “The cafe will be open serving up coffee, espresso, and snacks!”
  • Art House II – Thru the Eyes of Your Beloved: 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., or 7 p.m.
    • “This workshop is an artistic celebration of couples, love, and fun. Start with an optional sip of wine; then sit across from each other at your own easel. Everyone has their own acrylic paints, sets of brushes, and an 11×14 stretched canvas. Paint your beloved as you see them. Neither sees the other’s painting until the end of the work time (35-45 minutes). This is NOT a class, although an Art House II resident will be near if needed. Painters can go for reality or can capture the “spirit” of their beloved. Anything goes! Paintings can be taken with you, picked up later, or picked up the next day so that painters can move on to other activities around the city.) Art House II can accommodate up to four couples per session. Come with friends for even more fun! Allow an hour for a glass of wine, basic use of materials, painting, unveiling of the masterworks, and clean up. Click here to download flier. Inclusive cost is $40 per couple.”
    • “Please call (513) 313-2450 to reserve your spot.”
  • Loveland City Hall – Heartland Market: 4-9 p.m.
    • “Stop by City Hall to pick out the perfect Valentine’s Day gift at the local ‘Vendor Market!”
    • “Vendor details will be coming soon!”
  • The Works Pizza – “Single in the City” Speed Dating: 7-9 p.m.
    • “The Works historical train care will host Speed Dating for those that are 21 and over!”
    • “Sessions will be at 7, 7:30, 8 and 8:30 p.m.”
    • “Online registration will be required in advance via Sign Up Genius. Sign up here!”
  • Whistle Stop Clay Works – Oda Mae Brown Community Bonfire: 5-8 p.m.
    • “Visit for a community bonfire. (Will not occur if raining)“
  • Whistle Stop Clay Works – Ghost Photo Op: 5-8 p.m.
    • “Reenact the iconic scene from the movie Ghost with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore.”
  • Lemons and Limes Boutique – Psychic Readings: 5-10 p.m.
    • “Stop by Lemons and Limes to see what your future holds!”
  • Mile 42 Coffee – Cupid’s Couple Challenge: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
    • “How well do you know your significant other? In Loveland’s spin on The Newlywed Game, couples will answer questions to reveal how well they know each other.”
  • Downtown Loveland – Ice Sculpture Walking Tour: 6 p.m.
    • “Enjoy a self-guided walking tour exploring unique ice sculptures! There will be more than 20 sculptures on display throughout the downtown area. Take a ‘sculpture selfie’ and share on social media using the official event hashtag #LovelandHeartsAfire.” 
    • “Stay tuned for a full listing of sculpture locations, participating businesses, and a digital map.“
  • Loveland City Hall Lawn & Loveland Symmes Fire Station 63 – Ice Carving Demonstration: 6-9 p.m.
    • “See professional ice sculptors carve art right before your eyes! The night will feature two demonstrations. The first will consist of four blocks of ice, stacked to make one large sculpture standing approximately 6 ft. tall. The second demonstration ­will be a fire and ice tower with real flames illuminating from the ice!”
  • Fountain Greene (In front of JackRabbit/Fleet Feet) – “Eskimo Kisses Village”: 6 p.m.
    • “Play a round of skeeball on ice! There will be photo opportunities in this area too.”
    • “The Shamrocker will be featured as music entertainment!“
  • Loveland City Hall Lawn and around Downtown Loveland – Fire Performers: 6-9 p.m.
    • “These fire twirlers will warm up the night. You won’t want to miss their tricks!”
  • “The Building,” a flexible mult-use space along the Loveland Bike Trail – Couples Painting Class: 6-8 p.m.
    • “Bring your sweetheart to create a lasting memory together! No prior art experience necessary. Two 16″x 20″ canvases create one cute picture together.” 
    • “The design will be Winter Birch Trees.”
    • ?️ Purchase Tickets
  • “Mask”erade Ball & After Party – Ball: The Landing Event Center
    After Party: Bishop’s Quarter    : 6:30-11 p.m.
    • “Dinner, open bar, valet parking, live music by the Nasty Nati Brass Band! This event benefits the Candice M. Cook Scholarship Foundation for Excellence in Paramedic & Firefighter Education. The band will lead the 2nd Line Parade to Bishop’s Quarter.”
    • “Read all about the ‘Mask’erade Ball here!”
    • ?️ Purchase Tickets
  • The 1859 Historic Loveland Chapel – Vow Renewals – Traditional: 7-9 p.m.
    • “Enjoy an interactive vow renewal group ceremony with your loved one!“
    • “Ceremonies will take place every 30 minutes on the chapel stairs beginning at 7 p.m..“
  • Cappy’s Wine and Spirits – Vow Renewals – Viva Las Elvis: 10 p.m.
    • “Enjoy an interactive vow renewal group ceremony at the “Little White Cappy Chapel” performed by Elvis A.K.A. Mayor Kathy Bailey!”
  • Fireworks: 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 13th

  • Loveland Bike Trail – Chasing Cupid 5K: 9 a.m.
    • “Fleet Feet (formerly JackRabbit) will host the first Chasing Cupid 5K! This will be a fun run/walk taking place along the trail.”
    • “Meet at Fleet Feet; then the group will begin the course. There is no registration fee or advanced registration required.”
  •  Loveland Art Studios on Main – Artists’ Love Stories The Power of Creative Partnerships: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • “The finished pieces of art work will be exhibited and raffles will take place! Proceeds will support the new Art League of Loveland. Membership opportunities will be available.”
  • Art House II – Art Open House + Raffle: 12:30-5 p.m.
    • “Art House II is hosting an Open House through the weekend, featuring a sale and raffle. Galleries of original Loveland art will be 15% off. Every visitor will be entered in a raffle to win a Giclee Print on stretched canvas depicting the Tano block on W. Loveland Ave. before the fire. The drawing will be Sunday at 4 p.m. (do not need to be present to win).”

The following local business will be hosting specials and activities ALL WEEKEND long for Loveland’s Hearts Afire:

  • Alley Boutique – Will be having chocolate samples and a “Full Heart” Sale.
  • Busy Bee Boutique: Heartstrings Game – Customers will pull a heartstring to reveal great discounts and prizes!
  • Brown’s Crossing: Diaper Drop – Collecting diapers for charity. Any size, any brand.
  • Brittney Frietch RE/MAX Preferred Group: What do you love about Loveland? Visit an interactive outdoor display, where you can leave your message.
  • Cappy’s Wine and Spirits: $1 off every pint (Friday and Saturday). Cappy’s is donating $1 per every pint and glass of wine sold on Friday and Saturday to the Furgotten Dog Rescue.
  • Haven Grey: Giveaway with purchase.
  • Hometown Café: Selling cookie decorating kits by Lovebug Cookies. Customers may pre-order kits in advance.
  • Loveland Station Apartments: Check out residents’ sweet balcony decorations!
  • Loveland Sweet Shoppe: Stop by and enter the raffle for your chance to win romantic prizes including a wine and chocolate tasting, dinner for two at Tano Bistro, and private dance lessons!
  • Mile 42 Coffee: Valentine drinks all weekend!
  • Plaid Room Records: Anniversary sale.
  • Railway Barber Shop: Weekend specials.
  • Ramsey’s Trailside: Enjoy valentine specials and a package deal featuring 2 entrees, dessert & wine!
  • Loveland TAHONA Kitchen+Bar: Love on the rocks (or frozen)…enjoy the featured cocktail, a Strawberry Margarita, for the weekend.
  • Trailside Provisions: Craft a sweet vale­ntine card for residents at Loveland Healthcare. Also enjoy samples, including bloody mary’s, through the weekend!

We are so excited about this historical moment for the city of Loveland! We hope to see all of you love birds at Hearts Afire Weekend!

For the latest 411 on Loveland’s Hearts Afire Weekend stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

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