Do Valentine's Day weekend right in Valentine, NE!!! Lots of fun activities planned for you!

What are you doing Friday, February 12? How about something appealing? A little dressy? It's the weekend of Valentine's Day, so how about something red? 

The Bull Bash Go Red for Women event will be held at the Cherry County Fairgrounds and will feature the vocal group Six Appeal! 

They do have an appealing sound! Take a listen, and check out those shoes! My, my!!! Oh my!

Your visit to the Red Dress Event includes a fine beef dinner and supports the cardiac rehab unit at Cherry County Hospital as well as the Bryan Health foundation.

Last year the Red Dress Event was crazy fun! Your participation will make this year full of heart healthy cheer!

The welcome flags are out to welcome everyone for this fine weekend of fun!! Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. sign up for the 5K run...or walk...which ever you feel up to, at the Comfort Inn.

The rest of the day poke your head into all the little shops that will have something delightful to offer. They're unique, the people are great, and you just might find your perfect Valentine's Day gift! 

Stroll Main Street and visit with the bull and equipment vendors. There is a lot to learn, and the bulls are gentle giants. 

 The Vets Club hosts the craft show - something not to be missed!

 And there's food available there too...which goes quickly!!! Stop by for the best!!!

 Some of the beautiful crafts you'll find in the Vets Club basement...more are at the Connot Auction Building.

 These are the bulls bashing it on Main Street!!!

Follow the hearts to the Bull Market where the 4-H Luck of the Draw will be held all day long. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m., when they begin drawing for the lucky winner! It could be you!

 Aren't they beautiful. If you ask nicely, some will even let you pet their curly fur. I've even had some lick my hand...a little slimy, but still welcomed!

 Our Second Amendment rights are very important and you'll find many ways to protect and arm yourself at the Gun Show located at the Connot Brothers Auction building located on the corner of Macomb and A Street. Craft vendors will also be located here, plus more food!!!

 Nelsen Furniture is the location on Main Street for the Quilt Show. Vote on your favorite, or bring one of your favorites down to showcase!

 Totally love these guys! These gentle giants.

Main Street...in downtown Valentine during the 14th annual Bull Bash...wonder what it will look like this coming weekend...come and enjoy....

I see that you're going to LOVE all that Valentine, Nebraska has to offer you this weekend...in the Heart City....

But it's not quite over yet...
Sunday IS Valentine's Day, officially. Every year, with a few exceptions during WWII, the community has hosted Coronation. The theme this year is Every Heart has a Story to Tell.

I wonder what the story will be? I'm sure it will be a page-turner...

Coronation will be held at the Valentine High School Auditorium; tickets are on sale at the Valentine Chamber of Commerce! Here's a little behind the scenes peak at last year's Coronation, along with the grand finale of the Coronation Court.

Let our sponsors help you with your four season, family fun, vacation plans!!! Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get excellent food to go at Henderson's IGA. Why not plan a leisurely fall trip down Niobrara National Scenic River with  Brewers Canoers and Tubers

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments! Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you could ever want in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, which has western prints, wool, cotton and batik fabric, along with patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co perfect little projects for this season! 

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery at their new location!!!

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce has their new edition of Explore Valentine and a bevy of brochures that will have you coming back all year long... make sure you stop by and pick some up today!

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, ticket 4 Adventure....come find out why at SandhillsWesternVacations.com!!! 

No BULL...Love is in the air in Valentine, NE, February 13-14...make a weekend of it!!!

Seriously...love is in the air...Show your sweetheart by heading for the hills...the Sandhills that is!

 This February 13-14, 2015, we celebrate the cattleman and woman and their way of life here in the Sandhills.

Here's some scenes from last year....

Friday, February 13, is the second annual Red Dress Event where beef will be served  - no doubt. Did you know beef can keep you healthy? Find out the facts on this event at  bullbash.net. But there will also be live entertainment. Dueling pianos. They will be using 176 keys for their ammo - which sounds quite thrilling! While red attire is admired, it is not required.

Saturday, February 14, the bulls will be on display  - all hail to the BULL!!! These gentle giants are the driving force behind the livelihood here in the Sandhills!!! What would we do without them? Come and find out for yourself. There will be a pen of heifers as well. What will they think? "Hey boys...."  Perhaps?

Either way there is a full slate of events that will take place for boys, girls, men, women, families, and our youth! Quick Draw Competition, Luck of the Draw, coloring contests, food, wine tasting for the adults, gun show, quilt show, implements, anything that will help our ranchers will be on display on Valentine's Main Street. The fun begins at dawn when the panels and bedding are laid out for the bulls the bulls who will be on their way home before 5:00 p.m.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Make plans to attend and use our sponsors to help with your vacation or adventure!!!

Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get excellent food to go at Henderson's IGA. Why not get a gift certificate for a trip down Niobrara National Scenic River at  Brewers Canoers and Tubers for warmer weather? 

 Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you could ever want in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, has western prints, wool, cotton and batik fabric, along with patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co.

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery.

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live 

bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments!

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, Adventure....come find out why!!!

Valentine's Day is tomorrow...GUYS!!! (and gals) in Valentine, NE!

So, you didn't remember Valentine's Day? You remembered the fishing tournament a week or so ago, but may not have remembered your special someone? Your mother for example? How about your wife? Girlfriend? Kids???

Henderson's IGA has something for you...something for everyone...at a price that's affordable!!! Stop by, say you're picking up some milk, or something special for dinner, and surprise them with one of these....

You can almost feel Spring!

These roses can be planted outside later on!

Color your loved one's world with something special!

Bouquets are nice...and you can't ever miss with a dozen roses!

Do you know someone with a little more color? How about something like these? 

For mom, dad, spouse, and kids....or just for yourself. We all need chocolate and sweets!!!

And if you don't know someone to share real kisses with, a box goes a long way...so does a hug!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

From the Heart City!

Love from the Heart City - Valentine, Nebraska

So you want to show your special Valentine how much you care? There's still time and it won't cost but a couple stamps and a little bit of your time and it sure is a romantic thing to do.

Buy or make a Valentine's card and address it to your special someone - or someone(s) - think family members here. Put some colorful stickers on the inside and outside and make it look lovely. When everything is addressed and stamped and ready to go - put them in a large envelope and mail the whole thing to Cupid's Mail Box at: P.O. Box 201, Valentine, NE 69201.

Cupid will take these special declarations of love and put his own stamp on the outside of the envelope. 

Then Cupid will take the cards for your special loved ones over to the Valentine Post Office where they will cancel the stamp with special sentiments from Valentine, Nebraska, the Heart City!
The Chamber of Commerce also hosts a Valentine's Card contest that begins in December and one lucky winner is chosen from among the entries. Their artwork is made into a card and printed by Valentine Midland News and Printing; you can see the card pictured above right. This year's winner is David Dorsey of Newport, NE. These Valentine's Cards can be purchased through local businesses in Valentine as well as the Chamber of Commerce who can be contacted by calling 402-376-2969.

Cards can also be sent directly to the Valentine Post Office where they will use their own set of cachet's on the outside of the envelope. Cards will be sent in the same manner as with Cupid's Mail Box, addressed to the recipient with proper postage inside a larger envelope addressed to Valentine Post Office, Valentine's Day remailing, 239 N. Hall Street, Valentine, Nebraska, 69201-9998.

Some folks like to have their Valentine's cancelation on February 14th, others like them to be cancelled and mailed back to be received by the recipient on February 14th. There's not a lot of time left, so get your cards ready. To make the envelopes even more sentimental, use the USPS LOVE stamp!

These beautiful cards are from the Cherry Blossom Paperie in Valentine and are on display at the Valentine Post Office. Remember, odd shaped, oversized, or embellished cards will require EXTRA POSTAGE. If you're not sure, put on some extra postage just to make sure they reach your loved one!

So you have a special someone(s) and you can show that love by mailing your Valentine's Cards through the City with Heart, Valentine, Nebraska, and take advantage of Cupid's Mail Box or the folks at the Valentine Post Office.
What a non-fattening, budget minded, creative way to show your loved one how much you care!

Happy New Year and Valentine's Day!

We're half way into a new month, and just slightly into a new year ... here's hoping 2012 is going to be a fabulous year for you and yours. We're just about a month away from Valentine's Day...that day set aside to show family and friends how much you love them. Of course, you can always tell them.

But why not show them. If you're looking for someplace secluded, spend your weekend in a cabin nestled in the Sandhills at the Double R Guest Ranch. Call toll free at 866-217-2042 to book your retreat. They're open year-round and you and your loved one can gaze at the stars with an unobstructed view. No...not the stars in each others eyes....the stars in the heavens above - doesn't that sound romantic? There's a 1908 sod house one room school house that can be explored...among other things.

While there hasn't been any snow on the ground, here is what it could look like at the Double R Guest Ranch should the white stuff make an appearance.

Photos courtesy of Double R Guest Ranch. This is a very historical location and a place where you can make history as well. Call Double R Guest Ranch to make arrangements for a fantastic Valentine's Day get-away at 308-546-2314, or go to www.sandhilldoublerranch.com.