Today is Earth Day; the 45th Earth Day celebrated since it was created in 1970 by Wisconsin’s own Senator Gaylord Nelson. Looking for something local to do, consider attending  the fifth annual Northwoods Sustainability Fair being held today at the Newbold Town Hall from noon to 6 p.m.

The Fair aims at celebrating and promoting the local businesses, organizations, and individuals who dedicate all or part of their endeavors to sustainabilty-oriented goods, services, and practices.

Representatives from sustainable building trades, land protection organizations, food production services, and personal care services will all be represented.

“We will be welcoming back many of our founding exhibitors this year,” said Paul Ehlers, co-chair of Sustainability Northwoods, the local group of citizens organized specifially to put on the Fair. “And we’re also excited about some of the new exhibitors who are planning to exhibit this year, which will include such diverse areas as green burial alternatives and eco-tourism opportunities.”

A community painting project led by Connie Friesen of the Big Easel Gallery and Bistro in Wabeno, unique food selections, live music, and a roundtable discussion entitled “How to be a better steward of your back yard,” will all be featured, and several local schools will display student exhibits and projects related to sustainability.

The fair exhibits are open free to the public Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m., with music starting at 4 p.m., and the roundtable at 5:30 p.m.

Newbold Town Hall is five miles northwest of Rhinelander on Hwy 47.