Valentine’s Day: All weekend long

Although this year’s Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday, events for all ages will span the entire weekend with downtown activities, a night out for dinner and dancing with lovers and friends. Others, though, are spending their money on flowers and jewelry.

The Retail Association of Nevada expects more than 1.2 million adults in Nevada will celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, spending about $179 million, a 5.7 percent increase over 2015’s spending estimate of about $169 million.

Peg Buckner, owner of Picture This! Studio and Gallery on south Maine Street said Valentine’s Day is a special time for individuals to do something for their sweethearts.

Picture This! is one of many businesses doing something special for Valentine’s Day. Buckner said she is offering women a glamour or boudoir portrait special that includes a 2.5 hour portrait session, design consultation, hair and makeup artistry for the photo shoot.

Buckner said additional details may be found on her Facebook page.

For many people who cherish their lover or friend on this special holiday, money tends to speak.

“Consumers are demonstrating a willingness to use their wallets to express their love this Valentine’s Day,” said Bryan Wachter, senior vice president of RAN. “Once again reaching an all-time high, this year’s Valentine’s Day sales surge further demonstrates the improving state economy and increasing consumer confidence. Retailers can continue to remain optimistic about the year ahead.”

Wachter said the latest estimates are based on a survey recently conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF), which found that adults across the country will spend a record $19.7 billion on friends, family, co-workers, loved ones and even pets this Valentine’s Day.

“The average individual will spend $146.84, a 3.2-percent increase over the previous year’s average of $142.31,” he said.

Cindy Hart at His Inspirations, also on South Maine Street, said it has been a busy week leading up to Valentine’s Day.

“Cards or signs with love on them are really big,” she said, “and also picture frames.”

She said gift ideas change from year to year, yet jewelry tends to be a favorite.

Hart said sales last year were a little guarded, but she expects today and Saturday to be busy leading up to the big day.

While jewelry tends to be a favorite, so are flower arrangements or a dozen roses available at one of several locations in Fallon.

Wachter said candy is appearing to be the most popular gift this year, according to the NRF, followed by greeting cards with nearly 48 percent.

“Over 38 percent of respondents indicated they would be offering their dates a night out at a restaurant, show or other experience, and more than 36 percent of respondents said they would be surprising their loved ones with flowers,” Wachter added.

With an estimated $166.08 per person, jewelry is taking the top spot in terms of average spending this year at $166.08 per person. Only one in five respondents, according to RAN, said they would buy rings, necklaces, earrings or bracelets for their significant other.

While sweethearts and friends are perusing websites and Facebook or visiting a store, local activities will have a Valentine’s Day twist.

The Fallon Community Theatre Valentine’s Day 5k fun run and walk kicks off Saturday morning. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the race begins at 10 a.m. at South Carson Street next to Fallon City Hall. Early registration is $20 per person or $30 a couple. Registration increased by $5 for individual runners or couples.

“Registration is going real well,” said Karla Kent. “We have 30 already signed up to run.

With the race beginning mid-morning, Kent said the weather should be perfect for runners and walkers.

“Bring your sweetie or a good friend,” Kent said. “Last year we raised over $2,500 for the theater, and we’re hoping to do the same this year.”

In addition to the run, Fallon Theatres is featuring “The Notebook” after the race at about 11:15 a.m. Fun run participants and sustaining members may see the movie for free. For information or registration call Karla Kent at 775-691-9537.

Relay for Life’s kickoff celebration for a Be My Valentine Dance is Saturday from 6-9 p.m. at the Old Post Office. Cost is $5 a person or three cans of food to be donated to the New Frontier Food Bank.

The Fallon Elks Lodge’s annual Sweetheart Charity Ball is Saturday, beginning with a social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.

The romantic night of dining and dancing costs $20 for individuals and $35 for couples.

To RSVP or purchase tickets, call Kris at 775-217-5617 or the Elks Lodge at 775-423-2239 after 5 p.m.

The NRF survey found the majority of people (90.8 percent) will buy gifts for their significant other. Relatives and friends are also popular choices with 55.9 percent and 20.7 percent of respondents, respectively. Rounding out the list are children’s classmates or teachers (19.5 percent), pets (19.3 percent), co-workers (10.8 percent) and other recipients (7.2 percent). Once again, pets represent a significant portion of Valentine’s Day spending as RAN predicts Nevadans will spend more than $6 million on their furry companions.