The groundhog has barely shaken off the fury of a Saskatchewan winter when Valentine's Day rolls around. While there are traditional ways of expressing affection for our nearest and dearest, one wonders whether the old tried and trues like chocolates, cards, and flowers are still holding. Maybe they've been replaced entirely by heart-shaped emojis and radio-grams.  A quick roam around the city of Humboldt confirms that Valentine's Day is alive and well with those mainstays intact.

Ruth Brinkman at Humboldt Florists confirms that classic, traditional red roses are the go-to when it comes to romance. She estimates that sales of flowers are about tenfold compared to the average day. Assortments are next in popularity, although the mixed floral arrangements are more popular on Mother's Day. While Valentine's Day contributes to a huge boost in sales, traffic on or just before Mother's dwarfs the run on Valentine's Day. Ruth Brinkman chalks it up to the notion that "everyone's got a mother."

However, Colleen Gray of Sobeys finds that Valentine's Day is the true annual driver for the floral industry. Compared to an average sales day in the floral section, Valentine's Day sees sales skyrocket 100 times with nearly twice the sales of Mother's Day.  Gray confirms that classic long-stemmed red roses are the gift of choice, far eclipsing chocolates, balloons, or any other such offerings. 

Not to forget the ever-popular Valentine's Day card, Sue Sookeroof of Pharmasave says that cards represent their biggest Valentine's Day attraction coming in second place to Mother's Day in sales. Cards are quick and easy, but often accompany flowers or a special dining experience. Speaking of which, a romantic dinner is still on the menu as a Valentine's Day celebration according to Evan Nyhus at Boston Pizza. Every year the staff expects one of the busiest days of the year with forty to fifty reservations and plenty of walk-ins. Ribs, steaks and pizza remain diners' main choices.

With many options to celebrate, not the least of which may be staying in by a warm fire, Valentine's Day continues to warm the hearts of the romantic in Humboldt and area.