Photo Taken By Cassie Mattia on the Loveland Bike Trail in Sweetheart Alley.

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – The month of love has finally arrived meaning Loveland is finalizing details for its first-ever Hearts Afire Weekend! As the word gets out across the city as to what’s in store for the heart-filled weekend, more local businesses and vendors are getting involved in the festivities. Luckily we have collected all the latest details for Loveland’s Hearts Afire Weekend so you can be prepared for what’s predicted to be one of the best events Loveland has ever seen!

Loveland’s 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!

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”

Hearts Afire Weekend is set to have a plethora of heart-filled activities including pristine ice sculptures, outdoor Valentine’s Day decorations, live entertainment, a charity date auction, food trucks, speed dating, pet adoptions, love spell workshops, psychics, fire performers, and much more! Here are the latest details on what you can expect from Loveland’s 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: 5-8 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 off on Saturday night.”
  • “The Building,” a flexible multi-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’s photo at Eads Fence Showroom 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.
    • The parking lot of Loveland Regional Animal Hospital (300 W. Loveland Ave.) – The Chili Hut – 4-8 p.m.
    • The 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 Station Apartments “Community Room” (110 S. Second St) – 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.”
    • “In this 45-minute workshop, will learn the do’s and don’ts of spell work and will make your own magickal essential oil for LOVE to take home.”
    • “Workshops will cost $20 per person.”
    • “Tarot Card Readings will cost $20 per person.”
    • “Will accept Cash, Venmo, or Credit Card at the door.”
    • “Sign up for the workshops here!“
  • Loveland Branch Library – Valentine Button Making: 1-2 p.m.
  • “The Building,” a flexible multi-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.)“
  • The lobby of Loveland Stage Company – Kitty Kissing Booth: 1-5 p.m.
  • Loveland Station Apartments “Community Room” – Tarot Card Readings: 2-4 p.m.
    • “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. The 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.
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream – Caricature Artist: 3-6 p.m.
    • “Have your portrait drawn! Caricature artist Sarah Stevens will visit Graeter’s from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday. (There will be a small fee, payable to the artist.)” 
  • Art House II – Art Open House Sale + Raffle: 3-8 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.
  • 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.”
  • 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!”
  • Loveland City Hall – Heartland Market: 4-9 p.m.
  • 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!”
    • “Two psychics will be available for walk-in readings.”
  • 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 it on social media using the official event hashtag #LovelandHeartsAfire. View the map!”
    • Explore the city – find Mickey Mouse, Cincinnati Bengals, Olaf from Frozen, and other unique single-block sculptures:
Presented BySculpture Location
Bishop’s Quarter212 W. Loveland Ave.
Bond Furniture and Design113 Karl Brown Way
Cappy’s Wine and Spirits (2 at this location)309 W. Loveland Ave.
Cindy’s Friendly Tavern125 Karl Brown Way
City Hall120 W. Loveland Ave.
Hometown Cafe111 Railroad Ave.
Lemons and Limes Boutique301 W Loveland Ave.
Loveland Pediatric DentistrySweetheart Lane: Along Bike Trail near Trailside Provisions
Loveland-Symmes Community Firefighters AssociationBrown’s Crossing: Front of the building near Haven Grey and Blume
Loveland Sweet Shoppe124 W. Loveland Ave.
Mile 42 Coffee133 Broadway St.
Paxton’s Grill126 W. Loveland Ave.
Premier Tumbling & DanceSweetheart Lane: Along Bike Trail near Trailside Provisions
Railway Barber Shop106 Railroad Ave.
Ramsey’s Trailside200 W. Loveland Ave.
RP Diamond Printing & EmbroideryClock Tower: Along Bike Trail near Ramsey’s Trailside
Tano Bistro204 W. Loveland Ave.
The Landing Event Center119 Karl Brown Way
The Loveland Lofts119 Karl Brown Way (Placed at The Landing Event Center)
The Works Pizza20 Grear Millitzer Place
Trailside Provisions120 Karl Brown Way (Sweetheart Lane along Bike Trail)
Upper Cut Hair Design600 W. Loveland Ave.
  • 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 multi-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 is 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
  • Historic Downtown Loveland – (Truck) Loads of Love: 7-9 p.m.
    • “Have your photo taken (for free) in Old School Pix’s vintage truck. The truck will be decked out for Valentine’s Day.”
  • 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!”
  • The 1859 Historic Loveland Chapel – Vow Renewals – I Do, I Do, Take Two: 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..“
    • “Vow renewal ceremonies are not intended to be second weddings. There is no fee.”
      • “There is no need to pre-register.“
      • “Couples will not receive any certificate and/or ‘proof’ of renewal.“
  • Cappy’s Wine and Spirits – Vow Renewals – Burning Love: 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!”
    • “Vow renewal ceremonies are not intended to be second weddings. There is no fee.”
      • “There is no need to pre-register.“
      • “Couples will not receive any certificate and/or ‘proof’ of renewal.“
  • Ignite the Night Fireworks Show: 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 artwork 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).”
  • Art House II – Thru the Eyes of Your Beloved: 1 p.m. or 2:30 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.”

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 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 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!
  • The Works Pizza: Serving Valen-tinis (martinis) for Valentine’s weekend.

Parking
There are several free public parking lots in Historic Downtown Loveland. Click here to view the public parking map.

Some downtown businesses also operate private, paid lots.

Shuttle: Saturday, Feb. 12th
Parking shuttles will be transporting eventgoers continuously to the downtown area beginning at 5 p.m. The city has arranged a park-and-ride location located at Shopper’s Haven (597 Loveland-Madeira Road). The drop-off location will be at Schutte Dry Cleaning (401 W. Loveland Ave.). Please note eventgoers will need to walk to the festivities from the drop-off location. 

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

For the latest 411 on local events stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!