North Cincy News

Do you have a little sweetheart? The City of Loveland is partnering with the Loveland Stage Company to host the first Hearts Afire Valentine Pageant on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, from 1-3 p.m.

The pageant is part of Hearts Afire Weekend (Feb. 10-12), a city-wide event celebrating Valentine’s Day. 

The Hearts Afire Valentine Pageant is a baby/toddler fundraiser pageant to benefit a local cause, the Loveland Stage Company’s HVAC system replacement. The Loveland Stage Company is a not-for-profit, award-winning theater located in the heart of Historic Downtown Loveland. It is entirely operated by volunteers who create performing arts experiences for all ages. The theater is raising funds to replace its HVAC system — an estimated $100k repair.

“The pageant is part of the fun of Hearts Afire Weekend. Loveland is like a Hallmark movie during Valentine’s Day. What’s cuter than a kid dressed up like Cupid?” said city volunteer and pageant coordinator Christina Jeranek. 

The purely fun pageant is for ages 1-4. Ages 1-2 will compete to be crowned Little Ms. Valentine and Little Mr. Cupid. Ages 3-4 will compete to be crowned Ms. Valentine and Mr. Cupid. The pageant will be judged by the Loveland Valentine Ladies, a local group of women known for their community service.

 In the spirit of love, all funds raised by the pageant will benefit the theater. Admission is $5. There will be a “Fan Favorite” award where the audience can participate for $1 per vote. The contestant entry fee is $15. 

The pageant will feature an appearance by the 2023 Miss Ohio Elementary Kindergarten, Camila Medina. Medina is a Loveland resident. 

Learn more about the pageant and download an entry form. Entries must be received by Jan. 30, 2023. 

Original source can be found here.