Forty years after former U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin founded Earth Day the event has morphed into a worldwide phenomenon with massive celebrations throughout the globe that champion the environment.

In keeping with that tradition, Earth Day 2010 is being celebrated Saturday, April 17, at Mesa County Fairgrounds.

The event, which is being sponsored by High Noon Solar of Grand Junction, runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and leashed dogs are welcome.

“On a lot of levels it is important,” said Heidi Ihrke, co-owner of High Noon Solar, on Earth Day. “We are seeing that our resources are being depleted … the choices that we make (affect) others.”

To that extent a number of “green” friendly businesses are going to set up booths at the event in order to promote environmentally conscious goods and services, such as solar-powered systems. Ihrke said there should be about 65 booths at the event.

The event is also going to feature live music, food, dancing and related activities. The event begins with an opening ceremony followed by music lineup that ranges from the North 17th Street Band to Flat Top Reed.

Daydreamer, an alternative rock outfit, closes the show and is set to take the stage at 4:15 p.m. There will also be two Middle Eastern-flavored dance troupes — Khubsurat Ruh and Sultan's Pride, according to a schedule of events.

An estimated 900 people attended last year's event in Mesa County.

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Forty years later the celebrations are getting bigger and better, with nearly 200 countries taking part in events across the globe aimed at bringing attention to environmental issues.

Earth Day is officially celebrated April 22.