June 28, 2005
Charlottesville ranks number one for a lot of things, though it appears love isn't one of them. We have a story that's sure to get the singles the in Charlottesville area 'hooked'.
"What am I looking for? Someone talk, dark, and handsome," said Jamie Cattano, who attended the party.
"[I want someone] eccentric. Slightly exotic. A little apple pie," said Owen McNemar, another attendee.
Their requests seem like a tall order to fill when it comes to dating in America's #1 city to live. Since Charlottesville is the place to be, it should also be the place to date, right? Apparently, not.
"We've got great hiking. We've got history, we've got all kinds of stuff. We've got a great university, but the love scene here is not so hot," said Courteney Stuart, with the Hook Magazine.
This is the reason the local newspaper planned a 'Hook-up party.' The party, held in the Gallery Room at Starr Hill, was a way for its readers to become more familiar with the 'Blind Date Challenge', and to help those facing challenges with the personals, in person.
"I actually did put in a personal once, and I had a very hard time because I wouldn't say [that] physically all the guys I date are the same," added Cattano.
Single men and women, all above the age 21, were invited to sign-up to meet others attending to find their match. The romantics were also able to enjoy food, receive door prizes, and take their shot at love and life with palm reading. Though it's nowhere close to Valentine's Day, some say it was still worth a shot for the paper to play cupid.
"It's been a great experience. There's been a lot of people showing up, it's been a good turn out, it's been a loit of fun. I got to meet a few people," said Chris Lankford, who also attended the party.
The Hook newspaper hopes to have more events like this one several times throughout the year.
