That notorious scamp Cupid is out and about once again as the calendar year rolls toward that most amorous of holidays, Valentine’s Day.

Yes, love is in the air and young couples exchange kisses and possibly more to commemorate the Roman Catholic saint who maybe had something to do with romance.

Just as there are plenty of theories on who the guy actually was, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the commercial extravaganza we ascribe to him.

It can be observed with what some would consider the traditional way or what is decidedly not typical.

Either way the intention is the same: Valentine’s Day is a holiday no one should miss.

Karl Weis, political science/philosophy junior, and his girlfriend Kate Burnett, communications junior, have plans to mark the day the old-fashioned way.

Weis has a vision that includes the tried and true flowers and candy, a picnic and later dinner, complete with dancing.

“I’m excited,” Burnett said. “Karl usually makes very good dates.”

Weis plans on starting his love odyssey with a late afternoon picnic in the park.

He wants to use a wicker picnic basket and a red-checkered blanket, but he admits he’ll have to make do with what he has.

What’s certain is, weather permitting, Weis plans on flying a kite to pass the time.

Weis, an amateur kite enthusiast, paints an idyllic picture of an afternoon in the great outdoors.

After that, it’s downtown for a night of fine dining and dancing – cajun style.

Weis and Burnett will dine at Mulate’s on Julia Street and Convention Center Boulevard in the Warehouse District.

Mulate’s, which bills itself as “the original Cajun restaurant” (The phrase is even trademarked: beware!), offers spicy seafood specialties and live entertainment.

“Cajun dancing is the spice of life,” Weis said.

Others choose to spend Valentine’s Day in a wilder setting and with more than just one person.

If an unsuspecting driver were to head down St. Charles Avenue and hang a left on Jena Street, he or she would run smack into Dan D’Amico’s swinging singles soiree.

D’Amico, an economics senior, and his roommates have planned a celebration for those not fortunate enough to have a special sweetheart.

“Single people need a place to go too,” D’Amico said of his gathering. “They are too often forgotten on Valentine’s Day.”

D’Amico promises that DJs will be spinning romantic music all night, with plenty of opportunity to send shout-outs.

“There will be microphones set up,” D’Amico said.

So if “I Want to Know What Love Is,” courtesy of ’70s supergroup Foreigner, is your idea of a special moment, someone might be able to make your wish come true.

D’Amico said there also might be some date auctioning, with the proceeds to go to a worthy cause.

D’Amico only requests guests show up with a member of the opposite gender, not a love interest but someone to keep things balanced.

And who knows, maybe true love will blossom in the romantic environment of Casa de D’Amico.

It doesn’t matter how you plan on spending the day.

The holiday can be anything from a romantic walk on the beach to skydiving.

Traditional or nontraditional, the most important thing is that, like most things in life, you have a good time doing what you do.

Make sure to spend time with the person or persons you care about.

It’s been said love makes the world go round, so show a little affection this Valentine’s Day.

Give Cupid the day off.