Saturday is the 17th annual Kids Day at the farmers’ market, located at Mich-e-ke-wis Park, 1302 S. State Ave. in Alpena.

Festivities are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will be open for its regular hours from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free family-friendly activities include a hayride and farm animal petting zoo, courtesy the Alpena FFA, live music by an interactive fiddle player, as well as local favorite Ethan O’Brien, kids’ crafts, face painting, balloon animals, fire trucks and ambulances, and decorating pumpkin cookies.

MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena will be giving away bike helmets, and the Alpena County Library will be reading to children.

Courtesy Photo Saturday is Kids Day at Alpena Farmers' Market, featuring live music, games and activities.

“It’s a way to get families and kids down there at the market,” said Alpena Farmers’ Market President J.B. Cook. “To teach them about farming, and eating healthier.”

They found a way to get the kids to eat their vegetables.

“We will have veggie tasting, with fruits and veggies,” Cook said. “For every veggie they taste, they get an entry into a drawing for a bike donated by Walmart.”

This event is truly a community effort, Cook said, and the Alpena Farmers’ Market is grateful to all those who have helped sponsor and organize the event.

Main sponsors include Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, Northland Area Federal Credit Union, and the Alpena County Youth and Recreation Millage. Additional sponsors include the FFA, MidMichigan Health, Wolverine State Credit Union, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Lappan Agency, Blue Cross Blue Shield Network of Michigan, Stanson Floor Covering and Furniture, Alpena Agency, Alpena Community Credit Union, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan.

Courtesy Photo Saturday is Kids Day at Alpena Farmers' Market, featuring hayrides, a petting zoo, and many free activities.

For more information, visit alpenafarmersmarket.com, or Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.