Starting in 1976, Portlanders began waking up on Valentine’s Day to find hearts mysteriously plastered all over the city. For years, the tradition remained one of Portland’s biggest secrets, sparking countless theories about who was behind it—was it a single person, a group, or even the Portland Fire Department? These printed paper hearts appeared on local businesses, while massive banners adorned landmarks like Fort Gorges, Time & Temp Building, Portland Public Library, and nearly every spot in between.
In 2023, part of the mystery was finally unveiled when the family of Kevin Fahrman announced his passing. His daughter, Sierra, revealed that Kevin had been the organizer behind the effort to spread love across Portland. Though he didn’t start the tradition, he joined the movement in 1979 and became its driving force.
To honor her father’s legacy, Sierra vowed to keep the tradition alive while preserving its secrecy. She also established The Fahrman Foundation, dedicated to supporting charitable causes that Kevin was passionate about, including SailMaine, RippleEffect, Friends of Fort Gorges, and the Maine Academy of Modern Music. To learn more or get involved, visit BeAKevin.com.
