COVID-19 is No Match For Love as Loveland, Colorado Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Valentine Re-Mailing Program The nation’s Sweetheart City aims to bring people back together in the name of love with heartfelt cards and sweet sentiments through the mail
LOVELAND, Colo.
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January 12, 2021 10:35 AM Eastern Standard Time
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For 75 years, Loveland, the nation’s Sweetheart City Loveland has been spreading love and joy across the world by re-mailing valentines with a special stamp and poem. Today, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce celebrates the program’s diamond anniversary by unveiling the 2021 stamp, valentine card and verse, and postmark.
“This is a very special year for Loveland and this amazing program. So much has rocked the world recently and we are honored to help spread love, joy, and unity when people need it most,” said Mindy McCloughan, president of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce. “Our designs and verses this year not only reflect the 75-year history of the program, but they also demonstrate that COVID-19 and national unrest are no match for love. Let’s work together to spread even more joy, happiness, and love this valentine's season.”
Loveland receives more than 100,000 valentines from all 50 states and 110 countries across the world through its Valentine Re-mailing Program, the largest program of its kind. Volunteers handstamp the collector’s stamp (also known as a cachet) and postmark onto each individual valentine that comes through the program.
The 2021 collector’s envelope artwork was designed by Corry McDowell. It includes the following verse written by Judy Rethmeier: “Let’s unite our hearts this Valentine’s Day. Our Sweetheart City will lead the way.” McDowell also crafted the commemorative 75th-anniversary postmark.
To get this special collector’s envelope artwork and the special 2021 postmark, send your pre-addressed, pre-stamped valentines in an enclosed, larger 1st Class envelope. Then send this envelope to Postmaster - Attention Valentines, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538-9998. Once received, valentines will be removed from the larger envelope and stamped before being re-mailed to its intended recipient.
All international mail must be received in Loveland by Feb. 1, all U.S. mail must be received by Feb. 7, and all Colorado mail must be received by Feb. 10 to ensure delivery by Valentine’s Day. Participants are encouraged to send their valentines to Loveland as soon as possible.
The 2021 card and verse were created by Beata McKee. The card design is a celebration of the program's 75-year history, including photos of the program, including recognition of Ted Thompson, who is known for his extensive efforts to make Loveland the nation’s Sweetheart City. The valentine card verse is:
“For seventy-five years the Sweetheart City, USA has been mailing out valentines with verses to say that you are liked, loved, thought of, or missed, when you can’t be hugged, held, cuddled or kissed.
I may not be able to come see you tomorrow, but Cupid will be there with his bow and arrow to remind you that love is so very grand and that wishes of love are sent from Loveland.”
Valentine cards can be purchased online at loveland.org for $7 (which includes the card, printing, processing, and postage), and at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, Loveland Visitors Center, and other local retailers. Find the complete list on the website.
Loveland will also host socially-distanced and safe valentine activities including a group wedding, race, quest for Dan Cupid, and more. Additional details on those activities and Loveland valentine beer, wine, and coffee will be available soon at VisitLovelandCO.com.
