VALENTINE’S Day is upon us again and everywhere you look, love is in the air.
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Florists are busy stocking their stores with bouquets of flowers, while popular local eateries have experienced a surge in dinner reservations.
Lolly stores are experiencing a rise in the number of heart-shaped lollies sold, while Valentine’s Day cards are running off the shelves in local newsagencies.
Owner of the Petal Factory Carol Tuohey said the days surrounding Valentine’s Day were the busiest time of the year for florists.
“We have been working very hard in the lead up to Valentine’s Day filling our store with lots of different flowers,” she said.
“During this time we have around 500 to 600 customers come through the shop.”
While Ms Tuohey said there was a range of different flowers to choose from including lillies, gerberas and daisies, red roses were still the most popular.
“Lots and lots of people still go for the red rose,” she said.
“We also tend to sell a lot of the novelty toys, for example singing bears.”
Shamrock Hotel Bendigo assistant manager Paul Eliades said while last night the hotel was only half booked, he expected a rush in bookings today.
“I think the guys forget,” he said yesterday. “We always start off a bit sluggish but today we should see a rush.”
Mr Eliades said in his time working at the hotel he had never seen anyone propose on Valentine’s Day but said it would be nice.
He said for $140 couples could enjoy a five course meal in the hotel’s upstairs dining area.
In the Bendigo Advertiser’s classifieds section Sweetie wrote: “To my gorgeous fiance, only 36 sleeps until our special day. I can’t wait.”
Another person wrote: “Dear Debbie Lee, you are hot, like a sunrise.
“Bugger off Ketut. Your loving Valentine Andrew” was another unique entry, while KJ told her best friend: “You light up my life”.