Hartselle’s downtown merchants are hoping a cold glass of sweet tea will help attract weekend shoppers to their businesses during the spring and summer months.

“Sweet Tea Saturday” will get underway on Sat., April 12, and continue through October 2014, according to Paul Downs of Zoey’s Downtown.

“This is something a group of downtown merchants came up with to showcase their merchandise and services and demonstrate their appreciation to the folks that patronize them,’ Downs said. “It’s voluntary and each business is encouraged to come up with different ways to appeal to their customers. However, we want as many as will to have sweet tea and refreshments available for their customers.

“Our hope is that a majority of our businesses will participate and “Sweet Tea Saturday” will grow into a community event with widespread support.” Downs added. “We interested in bringing in local talent for entertainment as well as other family-friendly activities of general interest.”

The first “Sweet Tea Saturday” will share the spotlight with several other community activities. The Kiwanis Club annual Easter Egg Hunts will be held at Sparkman Park at 10 a.m. A Dog Bone hunt in the park will follow at 11 a.m. and the second and final day of the Morgan County Sheriff’’ Rodeo will take place at Celebration Arena in Priceville at 7 p.m.

Downs said plans are already in the making for May’s “Sweet Tea Saturday” under the theme of “Hartselle in Bloom.”