New Mexico Man Surprises Wife with Candy Store Experience for Valentine's Day

Lonnie Anderson, known as the "King of Valentine's Day," has a decades-long tradition of grand romantic gestures.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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For over 30 years, Lonnie Anderson of South Valley, New Mexico has become known in his community as the "King of Valentine's Day" for his elaborate and creative gifts to his wife Anne. This year, he surprised her with her own candy store experience, renting out a local candy factory where she got to build a custom box of sweets.

Why it matters

Anderson's annual Valentine's Day gestures showcase the lengths some go to express love and appreciation for their partner, while also inspiring others to get creative with their own romantic celebrations. His story highlights the joy that can come from spreading love and involving the community in special occasions.

The details

Anderson teamed up with the owner of a local art store that supports people with disabilities to rent out the Bluebird Candy Factory in Utah for the day. There, his wife Anne was able to build her own custom box of candies from the shop's selection. They also made giant jelly-bean hearts to display in the store's window.

  • For more than 30 years, Lonnie Anderson has been creating unique Valentine's Day gifts for his wife.
  • This year, he surprised her with the candy store experience on February 14, 2026.

The players

Lonnie Anderson

A New Mexico man known in his community as the "King of Valentine's Day" for his elaborate and creative annual gifts to his wife.

Anne Anderson

Lonnie Anderson's wife, who received the surprise candy store experience for Valentine's Day.

Bluebird Candy Factory

A candy store in Utah that Lonnie Anderson rented out for the day so his wife could build her own custom box of sweets.

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What they’re saying

“When you're spreading love and you're doing something grand, you can't do that by yourself. You know, that's just something that has to, you have to involve other people. And if you want to do something really beautiful and amazing with your life, you have to ask for help.”

— Lonnie Anderson (wgal.com)

The takeaway

Lonnie Anderson's annual Valentine's Day gestures demonstrate the power of creativity, community, and going the extra mile to make your partner feel special. His story inspires others to find unique ways to express their love and appreciation, even on a holiday as commercialized as Valentine's Day.