NEWS
Valentine’s Day sees a 21 percent hike in spending
by Niall McCarthy, Feb 13, 2020
If that Jennifer Lopez classic “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” booms over the airwaves at any stage this week, people intent on embracing Valentine’s Day might get a little bit frustrated. Nearly two decades after that song was released, love certainly does cost a thing and people need especially deep pockets on February 14th. Even though Valentine’s Day isn’t as popular as it used to be in the United States, participants are actually spending more than ever.
In total, the National Retail Federation has forecast that Americans will fork over a total of $27.4 billion on cards, flowers, chocolates and candlelight dinners. That’s a record level of spending and represents a steep percent increase on 2018’s planned spending figure of $20.7 billion. A decade ago, the share of Americans taking part in romantic activity on February 14th was 60 percent and it has now fallen to 55 percent. Nevetheless, people who are actually taking part in the day of love are taking things more seriously than ever judging by spending levels.
This year, average spending per person is expected to be $196, a 21 percent spike on planned spending levels of $162 back last year. That certainly illustrates that love doesn’t come cheap these days with participants saying they will spend $101.21 on spouses and significant others, $30.19 on other family members, $14.69 on friends, $14.45 on children’s classmates or teachers, $12.96 on co-workers, $12.21 on pets and the rest on other categories.
Voters in Bowie and Forestburg Independent School Districts will have their say Saturday as both entities offer up bond issues to improve infrastructure.
Early voting came to an end on Tuesday with a total of 1,230 people casting their ballots.
On election day the polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at three locations: Bowie Senior Citizens Center, Forestburg ISD Library and Sunset City Hall. Voters can cast their ballots at any of these locations due to countywide voting.
Read more about both bond proposals in your weekend Bowie News.
Water was off Wednesday morning as the City of Bowie public works crew replaced a fire hydrant at the corner of Walnut and Matthews. (Photo by Barbara Green)
Congratulations to Leighton and Stephanie Groves, 1510 N. Matthews, the first spring winner of Yard of the Month for April.
The couple has put a lot of work into the property in which they moved in November 2021. Leighton says his wife has the “green thumb,” but they share the work to do it all about 50/50. Along with a lovely front porch and yard, the family has created a cute cottage garden in the back yard full of flowers, vegetables and herbs in raised beds, anchored by a picnic table with lights all surrounded by a picket fence to keep out their two large dogs, two geese and a bevy of chickens.
There were two yards in the city limits that were nominated including the winner and 800 Bennett. Two more were submitted, but were located outside the city limit.
The opening month has been hard on residences with lots of rain and sunshine making it hard to keep up with the mowing. As the season settles down The Bowie News hopes to see more lawn submissions. There will be winners named for May and June.
The winner will be published in the last paper of the month. Call 872-2247 to make a nomination or email it to [email protected]. If you email follow up with a phone call to make sure it arrives. Deadline will be May 24.
Read more on the contest in your weekend Bowie News.
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