Single? Get ready to mingle Saturday in Edwards
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The dating scene in the Vail Valley can be difficult. Whether you call it the “dating recycler,” a place where “the odds are good, but the goods are odd,” or where you “don’t lose your girlfriend/boyfriend, you lose your turn,” don’t fret. There is hope out there. On Saturday, ditch the dating apps and take an opportunity to meet new people in person at Singles Mingle, an opportunity to meet in-person, at Hovey & Harrison in Edwards.
These types of events aren’t new. Singles mixers, speed dating and other methods of bringing people together have been around long before the dating apps, but in-person mixers are gaining popularity as people have become disenchanted with the impersonal tone of an app.
“It is my direct experience that one must have some skills to properly use dating apps as well as thick skin and sheer determination to weed out a lot of frogs,” said Maria DeSimone, a small business owner and Avon resident who is putting together mixer events for singles in the Vail Valley. She says that not everyone has the energy or desire to commit to what is required to navigate these apps and has spoken to a significant number of locals about dating apps and what it’s like to try to meet someone local without specific events for singles.
“I decided to give dating event organizing some time and attention. Local men and women have expressed their concerns about dating apps, as well as their disappointments. I get it, it’s a dating jungle out there. There is nothing like meeting someone in person, so our first speed dating event took place last month, which turned out to be a success in that out of 32 attendees, we had 16 matches,” DeSimone said.
That first speed dating event was held at Hovey & Harrison, a locally owned café, bakery and market in Edwards. “We are fortunate to have Molly Harrison, the owner of Hovey & Harrison, who holds these events as a service to the community,” DeSimone said.
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The event on Saturday won’t be a speed dating format, but rather a singles mixer event. The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and DeSimone is going to have conversation starters and ice breaker prompts to help facilitate connections.
“As the host, I will do my best to alleviate the awkwardness attendees might feel as they step outside their comfort zones by facilitating a relaxed atmosphere with conversation starters and encouraging mingling among attendees during the event,” DeSimone said.
Dating apps have their advantages, DeSimone noted, but she also believes that nothing beats in-person opportunities to get to know someone before agreeing to a one-on-one date.
“At these events, one never knows who might become a new friend, business connection or love interest, so I ask all participants to leave their expectations at home and join in on the fun,” DeSimone said.
Tickets are $35 and tasty treats will be provided by Hovey & Harrison and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Can’t make it on Saturday? DeSimone said the next one will be held on June 20. For more information about the Singles Mingle event and to buy tickets, go to Eventbrite.com.
