A group of friends, mostly from the Waterville area, have established a Valentine’s Day tradition of elaborate surprise celebrations, planned by the men one year and the women the next. Front, from left Ronald and Carline Bickford of Oakland, Ellen and Peter Tompkins of Waterville and Sherry and Skip Tompkins of Fairfield; rear, Daniel and June L’Heureux and Troy and June L’Heureux and Troy and Stephanie Frost of Waterville, Elaine and Robert Parker of New Hampshire and Bette and Alan Sturtevand of Oakland.

Bob and Elaine Parker of Milford, N.H. join six Waterville area couples every year for elaborate Valentine’s Day surprise celebrations planned in alternate years by the husbands and the wives.

Peter and Ellen Tompkins of Waterville share a moment during a visit to the Camden waterfront on one of a continuing series of Valentine’s Day celebrations that bring seven couples together every year.

Peter and Ellen Tompkins began the tradition of surprise Valentine’s Day celebrations with other couples from their church community more than a decade ago. Husbands and wives take turns from year to year planning and executing the events, while keeping it a secret.

Bob and Elaine Parker, of Milton, N.H., are among a group of friends that have celebrated Valentine’s Day together for several years, with husband and wives surprising each other with elaborate plans each year.