Is This Hoedown in East Van the Ideal Valentine’s Weekend Plan?

Whether you’re too cool to celebrate Valentine’s day or are just saying you’re too cool to celebrate Valentine’s day because you couldn’t get a reservation at your favourite restaurant, there are plenty of non-traditional ways to spend February 14 in Vancouver.

Case in point, the second-annual Santi’s Love and Country County Fair at the Russian Hall, a night hosted by director, writer and performance artist Santi Henderson for “sweethearts and lonely hearts alike.”

Even the most jaded V-day hater out there surely can’t resist the weird and wonderful plans Henderson has for his three-night affair, which runs February 13, 14 and 15. Yes, there’s plenty of honky-tonk and indie music on the agenda, with performances scheduled from Sissy and the Western Playboys, Santi and the Hanky Tanks and more local legends… but guests are also invited to try out friend speed-dating, send “cupid mail,” get their faces painted, get their heads shaved (!), dare to smooch at the kissing booth, try their lucky at some carnival games or challenge their romantic rival to a duel. Feel like testing out some fancy footwork? Hang around for a Palestinian line dancing (dabke) lesson.

Roll in with your Valentine’s date on your arm, or find love catching someone’s eye across the petting zoo (that, based on photos from last year, may or may not involve performance artists wearing cow suits?), or revel in your Valentine’s Grinch vibes among non-conformist friends. Or, if you do manage to snag a last-minute reso for a romantic date night at a good ol’ fashioned restaurant… East Van’s favourite country fair will be waiting for you with all its heartwarming art-goof energy on the 15th all the same. And isn’t that all we want from Valentine’s day? Someone who will be there for us no matter what?

Tickets still available for Santis Love and Country Country Fair, February 13 to 15 at the Russian Hall, 600 Campbell St.