Speed dating has come to Kitsap County.

Marie Buckner, of Silverdale, started West Sound Speed Dating in July and the singles’ mingle always draws a crowd to The Global Bean in Silverdale.

“It’s very popular in other parts of the country and it’s just about time it started over here,” Buckner said.

Buckner is a member of the Peninsulas’ Singles Boomer Zoomers out of Poulsbo and decided to host speed dating events in Silverdale.

“One of my friends suggested it because he found out that there was a lot of singles in the area,” she said.

Buckner said speed dating is a safe alternative to meeting people over the Internet.

“It’s an easy way to meet people and fun,” she said. “It’s very safe.”

West Sound Speed Dating events are hosted about once a month for various age groups at The Global Bean. Age groups range from 21 and up, but Buckner said baby boomers show up to events in the greatest numbers.

“It started basically with the baby boomers,” Buckner said.

West Sound Speed Dating events cost $26, which includes appetizers and a beverage of your choice at The Global Bean. Participants go on 3-4 minute “dates” with other participants before moving to the next table to meet someone new.

Buckner said participants fill out response cards stating whether or not they would like to see a person again. She then reviews the cards looking for mutual matches. If two people both write that they would like to see one another again, Buckner e-mails them telling them there is a mutual match between the pair.

“The first event we had, we had two matches and that’s always fun to see,” Buckner said.

She said speed dating is great because “there’s no face-to-face rejection” and it’s a quick and easy way to meet people.

“It’s a perfect way to meet people who are busy,” she said. “I know our society is so fast-paced. This just kind of fits into that.”

Buckner said speed dating events are well attended by women, but events need more male participants.

“We have to get more men involved,” she said.

Buckner said some people believe speed dating is for “desperate women,” but she says otherwise.

“It’s for women that are confident enough to get out there,” Buckner said. “I call it adventurous.”

People can register for West Sound Speed Dating events online. Buckner recommends people register at least three days in advance.

Upcoming West Sound Speed Dating events for 45-65-year-olds are scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26; for 35-45-year-olds at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28; and for 21-35-year-olds at 7 p.m. that same Tuesday. All events are at The Global Bean.

To learn more or to register for an event, visit www.westsoundspeeddating.com.