Black sheep speed dating

Black Sheep Coffee in Harrisonburg is hosting a speed dating event on Tuesday, February 14, a first for the coffee shop.

Black Sheep Coffee wanted to do something for single people on Valentines Day, so employees came up with the idea to haost the event at the shop. At speed dating events, people typically rotate on short, timed dates, meeting a variety of different people.

According to the Pew Research Center, in 2016, 15 percent of US adults reported using online dating apps or websites and 27 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds used them. The owner of the coffee house says this event will provide something different.

"I think people are kind of a little over the electronic stuff," said Chance Ebersold, owner of Black Sheep Coffee. "The idea of face to face (...) used to be what everybody did, and now it's kind of like a retro thing, so I think people are excited about it."

Ebersold says the response from the community has been great as they are ready to try out the event. While some may be looking for love, the event is also for folks just looking for friendship.

There is a small fee for the event to cover a drink, a cookie and for the employees. The event on February 14 starts at 6 p.m. at Black Sheep Coffee in the Ice House building in Harrisonburg.