This week

Romance in Historic Buford, Buford. Candle lit streets, flower vendors, chocolate makers, ice cream carts, horse drawn carriages, live music and artists. 5:30-10 p.m. Friday, downtown historic Buford. Various costs.

The Hearts and Hands Emporium, Gainesville. Sale with vendors to benefit My Sister's Place. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, First Baptist Church, 751 Green St. NW, Gainesville. $5 entry. 770-534-7354.

BBQ Benefit, Flowery Branch. Benefits the missions department at Chestnut Mountain Church. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Chestnut Mountain Church, 4903 Chestnut Mountain Circle, Flowery Branch. $7 per plate. 770-967-3197, 678-617-1334 or www.chestnutmountain.org.

Taste of Gainesville & Lanier Night Sprints, Gainesville. Food from more than 40 North Georgia restaurants, live and a night rowing competition. 6-9 p.m. Saturday; sprints, 8-10:30 p.m., Lake Lanier Olympic Venue, 3105 Clarks Bridge Park, Gainesville. $25 in advance, $35 at the door; free for kids age 10 and younger. 770-287-0077.

Veterans benefits seminar and American Red Cross fundraiser, Gainesville. Informational seminar with food, prizes and live entertainment. Preregistration required. 4 p.m. Saturday, Smoky Springs retirement community, 940 S. Enota Drive, Gainesville. Donations accepted for the American Red Cross. 770-535-8349.

Operation Boot Camp Preview, Gainesville. Learn about boot camp. 7:30-8:30 a.m. Saturday, Chestatee Elementary School, 6945 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville. Free. killian_@bellsouth.net.

Old Friends Car Club Downtown Cruize-In, Gainesville. Hot rods, muscle cars, classic and race cars. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, downtown Gainesville square. Donations benefit Good News Clinics. 404-372-7032.

 Upcoming

"A Bird's Eye View," Gainesville. A Standard Flower Show by Crabapple Garden Club, Fleur De Lis and Gainesville/ Gateway of The Gainesville Federated Garden Club. 3-5 p.m. Sept. 30 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 1, The Hunt Tower and shops around the square, downtown Gainesville.

CASA Blanca, Gainesville. Benefits CASA. Live jazz by Sentimental Journey Jazz Band. Italian food, drinks, auction. Black tie, bow tie or 1940s attire optional. 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 2, Georgia Mountain Center, 301 Main St. SW, Gainesville. $40. 770-531-1964.

Ongoing

 American Business Women's Association, Gainesville. 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month, Ryan's Family Steakhouse, 2415 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville. To attend as a guest, call 770-967-3352.

Toastmasters, Gainesville. Improve your public speaking skills. 5:45-6:45 p.m. Mondays. Jacobs Building Room 208, Brenau University, 340 Green St., Gainesville. Free. 678-469-2777 or gainesvilletoastmasters@yahoo.com. 

Old-fashioned square dance, Hiawassee. 7 p.m. Mondays. Senior Center, 48 River St., Hiawassee. Free. 706-896-1060 or info@townshistory.org.

East Georgia Genealogy Society, Winder. Meets 7 p.m. second Tuesday of each month, Betty Jo Maddox Community Room, The People's Bank Financial Center, 76 Broad St., Winder.