Patrons of the Farmers’ Market in downtown Big Rapids are familiar with the color green — green apples, green peppers and now, “green” bags.

The reusable canvas bags, sporting an image of locally-available produce with the Nisbett Building clock tower in the background, will be available for $5 each in downtown businesses and at the market when it opens in May. The market will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Friday in the parking lot south of City Hall.

Kelly Garner, of Joy Tree Yoga, came up with the concept of selling cloth bags as a way to both promote the Farmers’ Market and protect the environment.

“I want to call them eco-bags,” she said. “I like to shop locally, of course, so I go down to the Farmer’s Market. I saw all that produce going out in little plastic bags — it’s so wasteful.”

In addition to the washable cotton bags, Farmers’ Market patrons can look forward to entertainment this year as they shop.

The second Friday of each month has been designated heritage arts days, said Mark Gifford, director of neighborhood services.

“There will be local artists performing there work — pottery, basket-weaving, woodcarving,” he said. “I’m kind of excited about that. It’s a really neat thing.”

 All summer long, the market attracts customers seeking fresh flowers, produce and baked goods.