Balloons will line the streets as love fills the air this Valentine’s weekend when downtown merchants celebrate the romantic holiday this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“We are encouraging people to shop downtown. We are also encouraging all merchants to participate,” said Amy Slate, owner of Scarlet Begonias, located at 433 N. Main St.

Slate will be hosting a drawing to win a camellia heart charm. Those who want to be registered can stop by her store between Thursday and Saturday to enter for a chance to win. The winner does not have to be present at the drawing. She is also offering gift certificates and various other Valentines inspired gifts.

A romantic dinner for two will be offered at 308 Bistro Saturday night. Owner Twyla Sickmiller said the restaurant will be offering 8-ounce ribeyes, skewered shrimp, a bottle of wine, an appetizer, salad and homemade New York style cheesecake for $49.99. On Thursday night, the restaurant will be serving its special unlimited pasta and on Friday, they will offer its catfish special.

Brandt Scholz, owner of B & L Custom Jewelers, is offering a three-for-one deal that includes a box of chocolates, a dozen roses and a round chocolate diamond set in a heart pendant.

At the Main Oak Emporium, Uggs and Sanita shoes will be on sale for 20 percent off. Other sales will be offered throughout the store over the three day period.

The Good Life Cafe will be offering gift certificates and white chocolate, raspberry lattes.

Julie Teague, owner of Mayberry Consignments, located at 182 North Main Street, said that everything in her store is half price, with the exception of red tag items and Mayberry souvenirs.

“We’ve got lots of great gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. We have a lot of new items too. We have gift sets and jewelry as well,” Teague said.

Opie’s Candy Store is the place to go downtown to fill the need for that special someone’s sweet tooth. The store is filled with everything from gummy worms to gourmet chocolates and homemade fudge. They have gift baskets available for every budget. Owner Freddie Quesinberry said his store offers a unique opportunity for shoppers to create a unique gift for their loved one.

“You can create your own gift box from $2.50 to $10. Instead of getting the generic box of chocolates for your sweetheart, come in and we can help you create something really special for Valentine’s Day,” Quesinberry said.

Scholz, who is the president of the Downtown Business Association, said that he hopes everyone comes out to take advantage of the sales going on this weekend.

“Downtown is the place to shop for Valentine’s Day and for all of your shopping needs,” Scholz said.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.