Singles are partying like it's 1999: They're speed dating and joining social clubs, writes Axios' Carly Mallenbaum.

What's happening: With pandemic isolation happily behind us, people looking for love are meeting IRL and embracing more ways to make physical connections.

By the numbers: Attendance at Eventbrite events that mentioned "dating" or "singles" rose 62% in the early months of this year, compared to the same time last year, according to Eventbrite data.

• And the number of those events increased by 20%, the ticketing site said.

Zoom in: Sue Bennett co-founded "The Smitten Project" in Des Moines in 2021 after spending extensive time on dating apps following her divorce nearly a decade ago, she tells Axios.

• As a local business owner, Bennett didn't always feel comfortable with posting her photos and information online.
• The Smitten Project is a way to help people meet in-person and avoid online concerns like cat fishing and spam profiles.

How it works: Members subscribe to the service for notifications and/or access to singles events like this Thursday’s group outing to the botanical garden.

• It starts at $10 a month and attendees sign a "code of conduct" that stipulates treating each other with respect.
• Non-members are also allowed at some events.

The bottom line: Even if they don't find an instant love connection, the hangouts have been a great way for people to make friends, Bennett says.

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Ordinances in Des Moines and most metro cities prohibit the personal use of fireworks — even on July 4.

Why it matters: Confusion about their legality contributes to ongoing problems.

• Even fireworks retailers are commonly unable or unwilling to provide customers with accurate information about the legality of what they sell, Councilperson Connie Boesen said in a meeting last week.

State of play: Iowa lawmakers legalized fireworks in 2017.

• Cities can't generally prohibit them from being sold but can regulate the legality of shooting them off.
• Fines can run hundreds of dollars.

Zoom in: Altoona, Clive, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights are among the metro cities that also prohibit fireworks, according to Des Moines city staff.

• Ankeny, Bondurant, Norwalk and Waukee allow them during limited times on or around the Fourth of July.

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🐶 Furry Friends Refuge in West Des Moines is worried about their animals reactions to the city’s planned July Fourth fireworks show nearby at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater. (WHO-13)

💍 Iowa State star and 49'ers quarterback Brock Purdy is engaged to Jenna Brandt. (Des Moines Register)

🏓 A private equity firm is investing in Smash Park to help accelerate the “eatertainment” company’s expansion plans. It has venues in West Des Moines and Pella. (Business Record)

🌽 Thanks for the headline, Katie Greenstein!

'Tis the season for outdoor get-togethers, and we want to know your opinions on the most coveted "can't skip" food item at a local potluck.

😋 Methodology: We chose eight of our favorite foods, including entrées, sides and desserts.

• This is subjective — use whatever metrics you need to cast your vote in the brackets.

🗳 Let the games begin! Vote here. The first round closes Wednesday at noon and we'll crown the winner next week.