Love was in both the air and the land north of Denver on Saturday.

As Americans celebrated Valentine’s Day, Loveland earned its name, hosting its annual Sweetheart Festival.

Hundreds of people from all over the Front Range, many wearing pink-colored or heart-patterned attire, gathered as to celebrate. Some watched as ice sculptors rushed to finish their creations in sunny, near-60 degree temperatures; others danced to the love songs played by a DJ in the square.

“We love it here, the atmosphere is fantastic, it’s just full of love,” said Gail Helton, who was attending the festival with her partner of 15 years, Rob.

The Heltons had made the trek from their Arvada home to visit Loveland for the first time and take part in the festival. They weren’t alone; several others said they had traveled from other parts of the state just for the occasion.

In addition to the bubble guns utilized by many of the children in attendance, vendors at the festival also got in on the main theme, offering romantic candlelit dinner and hot air balloon event packages for people to either purchase or place their name in the running for.

In addition to the main festivities, attendees could also join in a “Sweetheart Stroll” through downtown Loveland. Each interested attendee was provided a blank passport that they could then fill with stamps from participating businesses.

Anyone who reached at least five stamps would get a free “love lock” to place on a metal heart sculpture in Peters Park, just next to the Loveland Museum.

The festival had the Heltons reflecting on the significance of bringing people together for a love-themed event.

“It’s wonderful. Especially in the atmosphere of this time in the U.S.A., there’s a lot of controversy,” said Gail Helton. “This is so fulfilling.”

The festival continued into Saturday night with musical performances and a Sweetheart Ball.