CALAIS – Eyes sparkling and dimples showing, the Cupid Brigade again will float around the city on Valentine’s Day delivering good cheer and lots of fun

And what a hysterical brigade it is.

Last year, six cupids raised more than $600 for the St. Croix No. 1 Fire House project by donning outlandish costumes and landing on doorsteps with a red carnation, candy and a Valentine’s Day message: a greeting sent by a friend or a loved one. “If the sender wants to write something original or have us deliver something, we are willing to do that, but all in good taste,” head cupid Vicki Farrell said Thursday.

The cupids all are supporters of the 130-year-old St. Croix No. 1 Fire Hall on Church Street so they don’t mind acting a bit silly to help raise money for their cause. And a great deal of money is needed to complete the project. “The firehouse that was built in 1874 is being lovingly restored,” Farrell added with a smile.

So be prepared.

This year, the brigade is even bigger and better. “We now are up to three male cupids,” Farrell said. “We also have a couple of students from the local school donating their time.”

In a little more than two weeks all those cupids will descend upon Washington County from Perry to Princeton and places in between.

Most will be wearing some very strange costumes.

Last year, Farrell wore a red union suit and white wings. Second cupid-in-command Billie Parks made the wings. This year the two merrymakers are mum about what they plan to wear, but everyone agrees it is worth the $5 donation to see what the nymphs will have on.

And just a reminder: Neither rain nor sleet nor snow will stop the brigade from its appointed rounds, Farrell promised. “We’re hoping for some nice weather … sunshine would be fine,” she said.

In addition to the money they raise, Farrell said, it was fun to see the expression on people when the brigade comes calling. “Spreading joy to people’s faces when they see us coming is a real delight,” she said. “Only a couple of people were stunned and looked like they wanted to run and hide from us, but most of the time you could just see a brilliant smile on everyone’s face.”

Farrell recommended that people in nursing homes or in the hospital not be forgotten.

Order forms are available at Boston Shoe Store, Bernardini’s Restaurant, the Wickachee Dining Room and at the city building, or call 454-2211.

Checks may be made to the St. Croix 1 Restoration Project and, along with order forms, be sent to: City of Calais’ Cupid Brigade, PO 413, Calais 04619.