Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Jocelyn McGregor The Meet Market, hosted by radio station 107.9 The End, is an event for local singles to mingle. [Click to enlarge]

Have you ever been online, seen the advertisements for those dating websites, and thought to yourself, "I would never be able to trust the people I meet online; they might claim to be one way, but turn out to be completely different in person," or something along those lines?

Your feelings about trusting a complete stranger might change if you met that person face-to-face at a dating event, much like the Meet Market.

This Friday, local radio station 107.9 The End is hosting its sixth-ish, not-so-annual Meet Market at the Radisson Hotel located off of Highway 160 at the Canterbury Road exit, for singles 21-and-up who want to try mingling or finding "The One" in a different setting.

Sarah Boggs, a junior kinesiology major, said she would prefer meeting people through the Meet Market as opposed to online because it's up close and personal where you can be a better judge of character.

"I don't really agree with (dating websites) because you can't really get to know someone over the internet," Boggs said.

With the Meet Market's upbeat atmosphere, you feel more comfortable mingling with people, like you would on campus or at a grocery store, she said.

Promotions director for 107.9 Dayne Damme said the Meet Market is the perfect place for singles, and even for some people who wish they were single, to meet, hang out and even hook-up if they're interested.

Past Meet Markets were held at Raley Field and the nightclub formally known as the Rage, but Damme said this year they wanted to take it up a notch, moving it to the Radisson's Grand Ballroom where the surroundings and lit pool seen through the glass windows set the mood.

Damme said guests will do more than just talk and stand around. They will be entertained by music, alcohol and games. He promises a full-sized dance floor and several bars located within the ballroom.

Not only will there be a DJ spinning "today's hit music" to dance to, but there will also be a live performance by Amanda Perez, whose hit song "Candy Kisses" can be heard playing on The End.

Games are also in the works for the market, Damme said.

He said for women not to worry about a wet T-shirt contest because plans are to make men the object of many games. He did not give any details on the games to keep an element of surprise for those planning yo attend.

But skeptics still question whether the Meet Market can create lasting relationships.

Tommy Godfrey, 107.9's promotions coordinator, said it can, as he has heard wedding bells from at least three couples who met through the Meet Market.

But, Godfrey doesn't want potential market-goers to be turned off by the mention of marriage.

He said people in the past have "made it happen" right on the property. And if you want to make the night even more memorable, the Radisson is offering Meet Market guest rooms for $92.

Dale Riggs, 22, said he would not marry someone he met at the Meet Market because he feels the people who attend these type of events will never be able to live up to the impression they give that first night. But there is nothing wrong with hanging out for the night or making friends, he said.

Even if people aren't looking for love, the Meet Market is a good way to meet people in general. The idea is to provide a place where people don't feel too shy or out of place to approach someone else, Damme said.

If you're not sure about the type of people you will meet, hundreds of prospective guests posted profiles at endonline.com.

From browsing through the profiles, you can learn names, ages, occupations, favorite cocktails, hometowns, types of cars and even see pictures of the attendees. The page also includes a filter so you can narrow down the profiles based on a criteria you're interested in.

It's $10 to get in at the door with your I.D., Damme said.

The party starts at 8 p.m. and won't stop until midnight.

However, Damme said, if you want to continue after hours, the official after-party is at Barcode Nightclub and Lounge located at 1890 Arden Way.

Meeting your partner at the Meet Market seems crazy, said Boggs, but if it works for some people, then more power to them.

Tygenae Harris can be reached at tharris@statehornet.com

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