If you venture over to the downtown square Saturday, you may see several unusual sights.

In honor of Downtown After Hours, sponsored by Main Street Gainesville, shops will be staying open until 8:30 p.m.

"This is the first time that the new Main Street program has done something like this," said Main Street manager Angela Thompson.

"Most stores are (usually) closed by 5 p.m. on Saturdays."
While the event will also be a sort of back-to-school shopping night on the square, it also serves another purpose - welcoming some of Gainesville's newest residents.

"We are going to welcome more than 160 Brenau (University) freshmen girls to downtown Gainesville," Thompson said.

"We want Brenau and the Brenau students to know that their downtown supports them."

Although the downtown Gainesville area is within walking distance of the university's campus, it can be overlooked by students.

"We will be taking them to The Collegiate (Grill) for milkshakes and giving them goodie bags with flyers, coupons and samples from downtown businesses," Thompson said.

"We have great things to offer the students ­- from coffee shops to greek gifts, there is a lot for them downtown."

On top of some businesses offering specials, there will also be musical entertainment.

The band SideShow will be playing live from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.