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The Blue Sky Concert Series brings families, friends outside to Gainesvilles downtown square
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Riverside lead singer Jerry Dale performs at the Blue Sky concerts series Wednesday at the Gainesville square. - photo by SARA GUEVARA
The air was cool, the leaves were starting to turn and the weather was perfect for an afternoon of music on the square.

People young and old came out Wednesday to see the band Riverside play as part of the Blue Sky Concert Series and enjoy the autumn day on the square in downtown Gainesville.

Jennifer Lavigne came out to the event with other members of the MOMS Club — Moms Offering Moms Support — to give their kids a chance to play outside on the grass in the square and listen to music.

"It’s a play date for our kids," she said. " It’s just a great way to meet other moms and find great fun (and) free things for your kids to do together."

Lavigne said she really enjoyed the Blue Sky Concert because she tries to find fun outdoor activities for her kids as much as possible.

Two first-grade classes from Centennial Elementary School also made the trip out to the square.

"They walked up from the school," parent Jennifer Griffin said.

Griffin said she’s happy there are field trips close by for the school kids to enjoy.

"It’s great that Gainesville has something like this the kids can just walk to," Griffin said.

The Riverside band played a number of popular songs for the crowd to dance to on a crisp autumn day.

Many, like Matt Aiken, said they were glad the weather had cooled down.

"It’s not hot, but it’s not quite cold enough where you have to wear a coat. It’s nice," Aiken said.

National Weather Service Forecaster Sean Ryan said the cooler weather likely will be sticking around through the weekend.

Temperatures should stay in the low to mid-60s through the weekend.

"At least for the foreseeable future I don’t see any dramatic warm up," Ryan said.

The next Blue Sky Concert is set for Wednesday.