By Kayla Bruch

The spirit of love is not lost

Jan 25, 2015 | 11:07 AM

As Valentine’s Day approaches, eyes turn towards Love Saskatchewan. And with a name like Love, no one saw a theft coming.

Organizers of Love’s 44th annual Valentine’s Festival have had some set-backs in preparation for the event. 

On Jan. 17 or 18, in the village of around 65 people, festival prizes and liquor were taken from two locations.

“They broke into the Love community hall and the village office in Love,” said Karen Smith who advertises and canvasses for the festival. “[They stole] approximately $1,700 in prize donations and liquor,” most of which were donated by local businesses.

RCMP have told Smith it’s possible this break-in is related to one which happened in Codette that same weekend. Smith said it’s “unreal what people will do.”

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“I was devastated there [were] just way too many prizes that were taken and they took care when they broke in,” she said. “They decided which were the most expensive items and took those for sure and then picked through all the other bags and donations.”

The damage on the front door’s of each building have been repaired and festival officials have not given-up. Smith said they have had an “overwhelming” amount of support from village residents, especially since the theft.

“If they thought they were going to stop the festival they were wrong in that perspective because it’s definitely going ahead,” she said. “There [have] been many people that have re-donated.”

Around 600 people visited Love last year during the festival on Feb. 13th and 14th.

A few highlights of the festival are the steak supper, winter activities, the love couples contest with a king and queen announcement, fireworks and the cabaret.

For more information on the festival and contact information, click here.

kbruch@panow.com

On Twitter: @KaylaBruch1