Holding a single red rose, dozens of single women gathered in center court at Bellevue Square on Saturday as ABC-TV held an open casting call for The Bachelor. The applicants were asked to fill out a complete questionnaire, giving a brief overview of who they are and why they are looking to find true love.

Caitlin Huls, Lauren Hobby, and Megan Davis all gathered together near a table to chat it up while they waited anxiously for their turn to be interviewed on film. The three of them had just met but all three shared the same goal of finding true love.

The taped portion of the interview process was taking place in a separate meeting place. Groups of five applicants were taken back to the interview room throughout the long day.

“I think we’re all a little nervous because we have no idea what kind of questions they are going to ask us or what they are looking for,” said Hobby, who drove from Gig Harbor to attend the open casting call. “We all just knew if we didn’t come today and at least try, we would have regretted missing the opportunity.”

The applicants’ taped interviews will be sent to producers who will then contact the chosen women to appear on the next season of The Bachelor.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.