Local businesses prepare for Valentine’s Day rush

JACKSON, Tenn. — Jackson businesses go into overdrive to help Tennesseans feel the love for this Valentine’s Day.

More than 120 bouquets of roses and daises hit the street in the first round of deliveries.

Kent Freeman, owner of J. Kent Freeman Floral Design Company, said the florist’s staff have been working 12-hour days in the week leading up to Feb. 14.

Since the holiday falls on a Sunday, employees advise getting orders in early to avoid a possible heartbreak. “Know what you want and know what you want to order,” Freeman said.

The floral shop charges an additional fee for holiday deliveries but says personal pick-ups are also encouraged.

“Sometimes delivering it yourself is very creative,” Freeman said.

Some flower shops in Jackson plan to remain open on Sunday.

Flowers may be one of the most common gifts for couples on the holiday, but there’s another gift that sings their way into the hearts of many.

The Casey Jones Barbershop Quartet performed Friday for dozens of children enrolled at the Therapy and Learning Center in north Jackson.

“They come every year and they give a rose to somebody, and then they sing a couple of Valentine’s Day songs,” TLC Director Ron Kwasigroh said.

Dozens of community members sponsored the quartet to perform, with all proceeds going to the Therapy and Learning Center.