Carrboro is being considered as the location for a new reality show

Oprah Winfrey might not be giving out free cars to Carrboro residents, but she is trying to find them some love.

Carrboro is being considered as a possible location for a new reality matchmaking TV show, Lovetown, USA, created by the BBC and the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Annette Stone, Carrboro’s economic and community development director, said Lovetown, USA producers approached the town last week about being a possible site for the show because of its population size, picturesque location and community feel.

And local business owners began an effort Tuesday to bring the show to Carrboro.

Mickey Maloney, an owner of the Glasshalfull wine bar and restaurant in Carrboro, said his restaurant is a popular location for dates, and he thinks the show could bring national exposure.

The restaurant hosted a promotional event for the show Tuesday afternoon.

Local residents were invited to fill out a 20-page application, while a videographer interviewed applicants for a video they will submit to the show this week.

Applicants were asked questions ranging from their dating history and waist size to their criminal history and how much they value true love.

Jackie Helvey, a Carrboro resident, applied for the show at the event.

She said she initially decided to apply for the event because her daughter encouraged her.

Helvey said she has been divorced for 10 years and hasn’t had much success dating.

“There’s as good a chance at finding love (on the show) as anywhere,” she said.

Rachel Bland, a Carrboro resident and graduate student in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, also applied for the show because she said knew she would regret it if she didn’t.

“Dating in Carrboro is an experience as it is, so why not add Oprah and a camera,” she said.

Bland said although she has never been on a reality TV show, she thinks its possible to find love on one.

“I think anything is possible,” she said. “I don’t know if any one is better than another.”

Alice Powell, a manager at Southern Rail Restaurant and Bar in Carrboro, said the restaurant will be making a promotional video today at 7 p.m., and anybody is welcome to participate.

She said the restaurant owners became interested in the show because they think it will bring business to the area.

Stone said the show will film for 30 days, bringing producers and staff to the town and drawing attention from potential tourists.
“We love Carrboro and anything that we can do to bring business to the area and promote Carrboro is something we’re interested in,” Powell said. “We’re the Paris of the Piedmont, and we have a lot of love in the area.”

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