Courtesy Photo These reusable bags will be offered for free on Saturday at the Alpena Farmers Market at Mich-e-ke-wis Park.

ALPENA — In an effort to eliminate single-use bags, the Alpena Farmers Market is offering free reusable bags to shoppers this Saturday.

The Alpena Farmers Market’s Ban the Bag program started last year, thanks to a Community Impact Grant through the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, and sponsorship from Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union.

“We want to get rid of the single-use bags,” said J.B. Cook, Alpena Farmers Market president. “We just want to be more environmentally conscious as an organization.”

He said many customers already bring their own reusable bags, but if you don’t bring one, a free bag will be provided.

“We already have a lot of customers doing that, and we want to encourage it even more,” Cook said.

About 2,000 bags are still available, Cook said.

The Alpena Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Mich-e-ke-wis Park on State Avenue in Alpena.

Friends of The Alpena Farmers Market will also host a Community Rummage Sale on Saturday.

Children are welcome to join the Alpena County Library for a free Family Storytime from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, with a recycling theme. All ages are welcome, but this program, including read-alouds and activities, is ideal for attendees ages 3 and up. There is no registration necessary. Families are welcome to bring their own blanket or chairs or may sit on the grass. Please contact Sara at sgrochowski@alpenalibrary.org with questions or concerns about library storytime at the Alpena Farmers Market.