Downtown Gainesville will be overrun with furry friends Saturday, March 25, as Main Street Gainesville hosts its third annual Mutts on Main.

“People love dogs, and the love being on the square,” Regina Mansfield-Dyer, manager of Main Street Gainesville, said of the popular event.

Of the 50 events Main Street Gainesville hosts each year, Mutts on Main is one of the more popular ones based on the 1,500 people who join the fun that day.

The organization partners with the Hall County Animal Shelter to raise money through vendor fees, donations and a portion of food truck sales to benefit the shelter’s adoption and foster programs. From attendees alone, the annual event raises from $500-$1,000 for the shelter.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 25, the event maintains a busy schedule.

“We have plenty of activities for both humans and four-legged friends,” Mansfield-Dyer said.

During the day, two “mutt struts” will feature adoptable dogs parading around the stage.

“I like watching the adoptions,” Mansfield-Dyer said. “It’s announced every time a dog gets adopted, and everyone cheers. It’s exciting, because we’ve accomplished the most important thing.”

A pet contest will be at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed, best trick and best look alike. Other events include a dog fashion show, training demonstrations and a 2 p.m. concert by the Retro Rockets.

Gainesville Masterpiece Mixers will host a pet portrait class. The art group will provide owners with a sketching of their pet to paint either as a regular painting or as pop art. Preregistration is required for the pet portrait class at www.masterpiecemixersgv.com/calendar. The class costs $45.

The Hall County Animal Shelter also will microchip dogs for $20.

Although most stores on the square are pet-friendly, many will put out water bowls or have dog treats available.

Mansfield-Dyer loves to bring her two dogs, Lola and Maggie, to the free event.

“Lola loves to eat the grilled chicken at Avocado’s,” Mansfield-Dyer said with a laugh. “Lola and Maggie approve this event.”

Approximately 20 vendors will be at Mutts on Main, almost all of them local. Among them are Tailwaggers and Pet Pleasers. Vendors will sell everything from dog treats and furniture to pet services.

The event is rain or shine, but Mansfield-Dyer said in case of torrential rains, check Main Street Gainesville’s facebook page, www.facebook.com/Historic.Downtown.Gainesville, for updates.

“It’s a great event, because you can bring your whole family out — and we do mean your whole family — and have a good time at a free event with a concert,” Mansfield-Dyer said.