Valentine gearing up for busy, uniquely Western Valentine’s Day

VALENTINE, Neb. — In most places, Valentine’s Day brings roses, chocolates and candlelight.

In Valentine, Nebraska, it also brings cattle to Main Street.

The community is preparing for its annual Bull Bash, a long-running tradition that closes downtown to traffic and invites ranchers, producers and visitors to gather with livestock in the heart of the city.

“Valentine’s Day in Valentine, Nebraska – it’s kind of a special event,” said Bull Bash Committee Member Monty Neiffer.

Neiffer said the event began 25 years ago as a way to draw people to town during the slower winter season.

“It brings ranchers and bull producers to town. It also draws some people from other areas to our celebration,” said Neiffer.

Livestock exhibits are only part of the weekend lineup. Visitors can also take in live painting, an art show and wine tasting, along with other events. Families will have a chance to watch — or take part in — the annual Valentine’s Day ball drop.

“It’s really our own version of New Year’s Eve if you will. It’s Valentine, Nebraska, so we want to do something special,” said Valentine Chamber of Commerce President Zane Limbach.

The ball drop begins at 1 p.m. on Main Street and is open to children 10 and under.

“We drop balls from the top of a fire truck, and everybody scrambles to get a ball. The ball has a corresponding number, and there’s a prize attached to that,” said Limbach.

Festivities begin even before Valentine’s Day. On Friday, livestock judging competitors from across the country will arrive in town.

“That’s just really grown. We have over 200 participants from several states coming as far as California and Arizona,” said Neiffer.

From cattle in the street to prizes falling from above, Valentine continues to celebrate the holiday in a way few other places can.