J.B. Cook, president of the Alpena Farmers Market, said that the whole field will be filled with free, family-friendly attractions at Mich-e-ke-wis Park in Alpena. He added that Kids Day is a special event for the community because it involves the whole family and teaches kids about how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Some of the attractions this year include live music, a vegetable tasting, a duck race, face painting, bike drawings, a petting zoo, a bounce house, inflatable slides, hay rides, a foam party, and more. RE/MAX New Horizons will also be offering hot air balloon rides from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Through the activities, Cook said that the aim is to educate kids on how they can eat healthy and stay active.

“Alpena always needs more healthy-oriented, family events,” Cook said.

News File Photo Children pose at the top of a hay bale pyramid at the 2024 Alpena Farmers Market Kids Day. This year's event is Saturday at Mich-e-ke-wis Park.

He said he hopes the activities will inspire children to get interested in healthy living and maybe even consider farming. Cook explained that he is concerned that many people have gotten used to the convenience of grocery stores.

“Kids Day is something to get them interested in farming,” he added. “If we don’t maintain that, we could lose it.”

Cook said he believes that Kids Day, and the educational activities offered, can help support the community and improve the economic and physical health of residents.

He said his favorite part of Kids Day is watching children try vegetables, some for the very first time.

“It is amazing to see kids try vegetables,” Cook said. “Sometimes they’ve never tried an apple before.”

The event will also include tents and tables set up by organizations and service clubs, including free children’s books from the Kiwanis Club of Alpena, a hay bale pyramid with help from Dave Timm Tillage, E-Free Church face painting, Kamara Marsh balloon animals, Wolverine State Credit Union dunk tank, Northland Area Federal Credit Union duck race and snow cones, Blue Cross Blue Shield fruit and vegetable tasting, AAACU foam party, Optimist big tents, HPC free popcorn and water, Stanson pedal tractors, Northern Michigan Fiber Festival, Alpena County Sheriff Scoop Squad ice cream truck, Walmart bike drawing, Alpena County Library kids program, AMA-ESD Great Start Collaborative, NEMSCA, Alcona Health Center, MyMichigan Health Center, Alpena Childcare and Development Center, Northeast Michigan Family Resource Center, Alpena Fire Departments trucks, ambulances, and police.

The Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market host this annual event with help from an Alpena County Youth and Recreation grant, Alpena FFA, Alpena Optimist Club, Alpena Lions Club, and many area businesses.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.