GAINESVILLE, Ga. (March 23, 2021) – Join Main Street Gainesville for a tail-waggin’ good time Saturday, March 27, when the historic downtown square goes to the dogs with the return of Mutts on Main.
A “social distance-friendly” version of the annual pet expo returns from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and will highlight dog adoptions from the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia and Hall County Animal Shelter, said Main Street Manager Nicole Ricketts.
“The goal is to see as many dogs adopted as possible from our partners who work together as the main response teams in Hall County," she said. "In-person adoptions at the event will be hosted this year by the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, and a special online pet contest will support adoptions at the Hall County Animal Shelter. Follow the @DowntownGainesvilleGA Facebook page for more details!”
Ricketts said attendees – two-legged and four-legged – will have the opportunity to enjoy a fashion show highlighting local boutiques and dogs up for adoption, plus other pet contests like “Best Dressed”, “Best Trick” and “Look Alike” (noon); live music by Becky Simon Band (1 p.m.); and new this year, a disc dog show by Dahlonega Action Dogs on Roosevelt Square (2 p.m.). The Gainesville Police Department’s furry K9 officers will pay a visit at 3 p.m.
“As we are a year-plus into the fight against COVID-19, we know that community engagement is a tricky topic,” she said. “As we evaluated what 2021 events we can safely do outdoors, we really felt this community favorite, smaller expo-style event is a good way to encourage people to get some sunshine, enjoy each other at a safe distance, and have plenty of space to move around, shop and enjoy the atmosphere of downtown.”
Ricketts added the expo will host several pet-related vendors and artisans, offering everything from pet food and pet clothes to the animal shelter. And a treat for the humans? Surrounding boutiques and shops will hold sidewalk sales throughout the day.
“We'll also have hot dogs and Paw Paws Peanuts for the humans, and cold treats from Frozen Frenzee for the pups!” she said.
Adding to the excitement will be staffers of the Gainesville Public Relations Division, who will have in their shared booth with Main Street Gainesville trivia and freebies in celebration of the City's bicentennial this November. Plus, the first 100 people to visit the Main Street booth will receive a free collapsible travel bowl for their pet, Ricketts said.
“We’re also selling Mutts on Main T-shirts,” she said, in addition to other Gainesville merch.
All dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. Waste bags will be located throughout the square to help preserve the beauty of downtown Gainesville.
Ricketts said all vendors will follow COVID-19 directives set forth by the State of Georgia, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Masks are encouraged for those visiting, and we will have sanitizing stations located around the square,” she said.
Bradford Street will be closed during the event, and those traveling in the area are urged to drive carefully, and watch for pedestrians and pets.
For more information and updates, “Like” and follow @DowntownGainesvilleGA on Facebook.