Downtown back to normal after suspicious package found

GAINESVILLE - A suspicious backpack in downtown Gainesville caused a bit of commotion Friday afternoon on the first day of the annual fall festival.

Police Cpl. Joe Britt said authorities set up a perimeter around the bag location, the corner of Spring and Main streets. Police called in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as a precaution.

"They came and cleared the backpack and all is okay," Britt said.

There was nothing unusual inside the bag, according to Britt.

"It was just routine stuff. It was just left unattended, sitting around unattended," Britt said.

The annual Mule Camp Market is underway on the square. Britt said GBI had a very quick response.

He said officers were also impressed with Mule Camp vendors. Britt said they were very helpful in clearing the area during the investigation.

Authorities sounded the all-clear around 1:00 p.m.