AMESBURY - The Amesbury Downtown Business Association will hold its third annual Follow Your Heart To Amesbury Valentine's Day Event on Saturday, Feb. 9, from noon to 5 p.m.

More than a dozen downtown businesses will be participating in the event, including restaurants and local shops marked by red and white balloons.

Deb Pagley, chairwoman of the Amesbury Downtown Business Association, said the group is holding the activity to do something exciting for the people of Amesbury.

"We just want to do something exciting by creating an event that brings people out," Pagley said. "There are special events, including wonderful food served by participating restaurants. A lot of stores are doing discounts. We are trying to offer an incentive to think about Amesbury."

The association wants people to know that there are stores downtown that offer the same items a mall offers.

"We are trying to let the community know that there are wonderful stores downtown. There is a lot to offer," Pagley said. "We are trying to get the word out that we're here, and we want people to know what we do and what we offer."

Offerings include a card-making class and ice cream cup decorating courtesy of Maggie's Sundae at Envelop the Moments; makeovers by a Mary Kay specialist as well as a 20 percent discount at Parke Place; music at Country Meadows; a 10 percent discount and treats from Phat Cats at Riverwalk Bead Shop & Gallery; refreshments and roses at Charlotte's; refreshments at Greenery Designs; shrimp cocktail and champagne at Fancy Schmancy; music and refreshments at Embellishments from 2 to 4 p.m.; dessert and champagne from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Finery Shop; and refreshments and dog treats at Paws Pet Boutique.