Courtesy Photo Hayrides are just one of the fun activities that will be available Saturday at the Alpena Farmers Market Kids Day at Mich-e-ke-wis Park in Alpena. Other activities include a foam cannon, RE/MAX hot air balloon, an inflatable slide, balloon animals, face painting, a petting zoo, veggie tasting for a chance to win a bike, and more.

ALPENA — A host of fun activities are planned for Saturday at the Alpena Farmers Market Kids Day at Mich-e-ke-wis Park.

The farmers market opens at 8 a.m., and some activities start at 9:30 a.m. Kids Day is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

RE/MAX New Horizons will offer hot air balloon rides from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Other activities begin at 10 a.m. and include hay-rides, a foam cannon, an inflatable slide, balloon animals, face painting, a petting zoo, veggie tasting for a chance to win a bike, and other healthy living activities.

“This is our 20th year,” said J.B. Cook, president of Alpena Farmers Market. “It’s just something that brings people down to the farmers market for a healthy and educational event. There will be about 30 different things the kids can do.”

With help from an Alpena County Youth and Recreation grant, Alpena FFA, Alpena Optimist Club, and many area businesses, the Alpena Farmers Market hosts the event each year.

“It really is like a carnival,” Cook added.

The Alpena 4-H Club and FFA will provide the petting zoo and hay rides, while Mike and Dave Timm Tillage will help with the hay bale pyramid. Alpena Community Credit Union will provide the face painting and balloon animals, while Wolverine State Credit Union will sponsor the dunk tank. Northland Area Federal Credit Union will provide snow cones, and McLaren will sponsor a duck race. Blue Cross Blue Shield will sponsor a fresh fruit and vegetable tasting, which will qualify participants for the Alpena Walmart bicycle drawing. Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union will host a bubble and foam party under the Dave Dargis Express Care and Optimist Club big tents. HPC Credit Union will provide free popcorn and water. There will be pedal tractors by Stanson Floor Covering and Furniture, and a children’s program with Alpena County Library.

Other organizations that will be on-site include the Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District Great Start Collaborative, Health Department No. 4, Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, Alcona and Alpena Huron Humane Societies, Alpena Fire Department truck and ambulance, MyMichigan ambulance, the Alpena Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club of Alpena, and many other completely free activities.