In Portland, as far back as 1979, people would wake up on Valentine’s Day morning to something beautiful around the city—the postering of red hearts on buildings, windows, and doorways throughout downtown. And so, a tradition began that continues to this day.
No one knew who was responsible for this random act of love and kindness. But every year, as Valentine’s Day approached, people would talk about Portland’s “Valentine’s Bandit.” Like clockwork, after midnight struck and February 14 arrived, a legion of do-gooders sworn to secrecy would run amok around the city, placing simple red hearts everywhere. Portland would then wake up—during the heart of a Maine winter—to the beautiful sight of red hearts lining the city streets.
People were so touched by this simple gesture of recognition and love that some would keep their hearts up until they were tattered and faded by the last remnants of winter. Others brought them inside, posting them on bulletin boards and refrigerators in loving anticipation of the next year’s “hearting” of the city.
Over the years, the number of places these hearts appeared continued to grow—including a banner prominently displayed on the Portland Museum of Art and even one flapping in the wind on Fort Gorges.
For decades, the identity of the Valentine’s Bandit remained a steadfast secret—until 2023, the year Kevin Fahrman suddenly passed away. His family chose to reveal his identity along with a simple message to the city of Portland (and beyond): Be a Kevin.
Since Kevin’s passing, the tradition has continued. All are welcome to visit beakevin.com to download and print the original red heart artwork Kevin used for more than 40 years.
This Valentine’s Day, wherever you live, consider “being a Kevin” and spreading hearts throughout your neighborhood, business, or favorite shops and restaurants—whether in the middle of the night or in the bright light of day. It doesn’t matter when or how many. It never gets old to share a message of love and kindness—something Kevin understood so well.
Happy Valentine’s Day. Be a Kevin.
