According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the first Earth Day was introduced in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson as a way to promote legal and regulatory mechanisms that protect the environment onto the national agenda. On Saturday, April 22, the City of Springfield will celebrate Earth Day by hosting the 25 th annual Earth Awareness Fair from 1-5 p.m. on the grounds of the Old State Capitol downtown. The free, family-friendly event will feature at least 40 exhibitors with activities and information on topics such as recycling, alternative energy, native plants, local and organic foods, water conservation and more. Other attractions include live music, workshops hosted by the Henson Robinson Zoo and local beekeeper Arvin Pierce, plus bicycle activities, including a bicycle diagnostic station provided by Ace Bicycle Shop and a bike rodeo for ages 5-12 along with an all-ages group bike ride led by the Springfield Bicycle Club. For the full list of vendors and schedule of activities, find the Earth Awareness Fair on Facebook or visit http://springfield.il.us.