BY PRESTON BURROWS
It is once again the time of the year when love is celebrated almost everywhere worldwide.
Valentine’s Day has been around since the year 496 and is believed to have originated from a traditional Roman Holiday called Lupercalia, where the start of their springtime was celebrated.
This year in Hays, the celebration of Valentine’s Day continues with events that will be held from Thursday through Valentine’s Day on Monday.
Thursday, February 10:
Swing-kido at FHSU:
On the FHSU campus, Valentine’s Day is not forgotten as the Barn Hoppers and the Aikido Club are hosting a loved theme event. The two clubs will mix swing dancing with aikido to “make someone fall head over heels in more ways than one.” This event will occur in Cunningham Hall Room 122, otherwise known as the Dance Room, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. This event is free and open to FHSU students and the Hays community. For more information, click here.
Erica Barwick, president of the Barn Hoppers club, says that the event will be split between teaching swing-dance moves and basic Aikido – a modern Japanese martial art.
The event’s slogan is “How to Make Anyone Fall for You,” and Barwick mentioned that participants do not need to be in a relationship. Goers can attend by themselves or with friends.
“We hope to have fun and make memories but allow for an alternative Valentine’s Day date night,” Barwick said.
Friday, February 11:
The Fox Theater The Ultimate Valentine’s Progressive Dinner & Show
The dinner portion of this event has sold out, but there is still a chance to attend The Fox Theater at 1202 Main Street, where dessert and drinks will be accompanied by The Wes Cossman Band. Tickets are $10 each to come in at 8:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online but can also be picked up at the building. Tickets for the show are first come, first serve. For tickets and to see more upcoming events visit their website.
Dustin Roths, owner, and operator of The Fox, says that an event for Valentine’s Day at The Fox Theater is not uncommon as they hold events throughout the year. He mentioned what set the Fox apart from other places.
“The building at The Fox is just made for sound. It’s just an acoustical wonder… Our light and sound package is top of the world,” he said.
Roths discussed The Wes Cossman Band performing Friday night, saying that this was the perfect opportunity to see a great musician for only $10.
“We hope everybody takes a chance and tries to give us a shot to enjoy a night out in downtown Hays,” Roths said.
Blind Date with A Book
At the Hays Public Library, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., attendees can pick a book with its identity hidden at 1205 Main Street. The books will be wrapped in paper and tagged with clues to what is underneath. Guests can sit in the commons area and enjoy their blind date with a book. Sparkling grape juice and chocolates will also be available.
Haley Miller, Hays Public Library assistant, came up with this idea back in December but waited till February to tie it into Valentine’s Day.
“[This event is] kind of a date without needing an actual date for Valentine’s Day,” Miller said. “Come and find a book that you want and spend your Valentine’s weekend reading instead of dating.”
February 11, 12 and 14:
Hilton Garden Inn: Valentine’s Date Night
Dinner for two is offered at the Hilton Garden Inn located at 221 West. 43rd Street. The four-course meal is $60 for two, and the event starts at 5:00 and wraps up at 10:00 p.m. A reservation is recommended for this event by calling 785-727-7721.
The menu:
- Spinach salad sprinkled with bleu cheese and tossed in citrus dressing
- Bacon-wrapped shrimp
- KC strip with three shrimp OR southwest chicken alfredo
- Chocolate tort filled with berries & cream
Taryn Rupp, director of sales at the Hilton Garden Inn, says this event will help show the public that the restaurant is open to everyone, not just ones staying in the hotel.
“It will showcase those menu items that aren’t listed on our regular dining menu so that our chef can serve people for a romantic evening out,” Rupp said.
Rupp reminds people that this event is not only for those traveling so they can still be able to celebrate while they are on the road but also for the community, so they can have a little getaway.
Hays Community Theatre- Love Letters Dessert Show
The Hays Community Theatre will have entertainment and a dessert bar at 7:30 Friday, Saturday, and Monday. The event will occur at 121 East 8th Street, with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. Each night different local actors will perform. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased here.
Actors:
- Friday: Alan & Dawn Gable
- Saturday: Andy & Dana Stanton
- Monday: Travis & Pamela Grizzel
Andy Stanton, a board member of the Hays Community Theatre, says the event will showcase a special play called Love Letters. It follows the letters of Andrew Ladd III & Melissa Gardner through the chronicles of their life and friendship to their old age.
Stanton calls this play neat as it will allow the actors to not focus on blocking or memorizing because they will just be reading the letters back and forth.
Stanton will be performing Saturday night with his wife, Dana, and hopes the community can come out and support the theater.
*Events that are sold out or postponed have been excluded from this schedule.*