As Valentine’s Day approaches, both Missouri Southern and surrounding Joplin area businesses prepare to share the day with Joplin’s residents. From candy grams and date nights to “being single” celebrations, there is enough love to go around for everyone. 

 For those fortunate enough to celebrate the warmth of Valentine’s Day with those they love, February is a month that is only cold in its frigid temperatures. As the holiday approaches, both MSSU and select business owners around the Joplin area plan events to encourage love day outings.  

 For MSSU students, CAB, the Campus Activities Board, has organized a candy gram event taking place in the Billingsly Student Center on Feb 10. According to CAB, students simply “pick the candy and write the note, and CAB takes care of the rest!” At the event, students will be supplied with the materials to craft valentines that can later be picked up by loved ones Feb. 11 through Feb. 13. All students are welcome, and CAB hopes that the event offers both connection and comfort to MSSU students. 

 For students interested in exploring Joplin’s offerings, many local businesses welcome the celebration of love with open arms. “Valentine’s Day in the Gallery” at the Spiva Center for the Arts and “Valentine’s Couples Paint – You + Me” at Create N Sip, both taking place on Feb. 14, are great for those interested in sharing adoration through creation. After paying the respected fees to participate, both painting events offer a space where artistic experience is not required; all one needs to bring is the motivation of love and a desire to create. 

 Going solo or with a date, composer and pianist Glenda Austin will be performing “An American Love Song” at The Cornell Complex on Feb. 14. Though the performance is a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary, Austin will also be performing romantic love songs honoring the holiday.  

 If looking for retail therapy, visiting the “Sweetheart Market” is a considerable option. Taking place at Mandalor’s Dreams on Feb. 14, vendors featuring local artisans and businesses will be present to explore and shop from.  

 With comical names and a twist of the usual Valentine’s Day narrative, local Joplin pubs are changing the expectations associated with the month of love. Both occurring on the holiday, Vino Noir Wine and Cocktail Bar’s “Love Sucks – A Single Night” and Brew Pub Billiards and Pizza’s “Valentine Stop Light Party” explore a unique representation of celebrating the single life. Whether wearing a colored shirt to symbolize relationship status, or simply celebrating alone, looking for love, or discovering self-love, has never been easier.