The new Five Rivers Resource Center, that was officially opened last week, will play host this weekend to the 17th Annual Earth Fest.

The event will take place Saturday April 21 from 10 a.m. until 5:p.m. at the new Center that is located on the Causeway across from Meaher Park.

Earth Fest will feature hands-on activities as well as exhibits, music, and an art show featuring works of local blind artist Rick Trione.

The Fairhope native has produced a number of pieces of art including ink drawings of the Sand Island lighthouse, boats and other images from the area.

Since his loss of sight, Trione has been forced to give up much of his independent,e but he continues to produce memorable artwork.

“He now draws from his inner vision and heart,” according to Melissa Applegate, of the Alabama Coastal Foundation. “He is a wonderful man and so talented. We will be giving visitors the opportunity to learn from Ricky. We will be blindfolding people and teaching them to use their sense of touch like Ricky has to, when he uses raised paint to feel his way across the surface of a painting.”

The Earth Fest will also feature artwork of a different kind from area students. Applegate said, “They have been asked to decorate a pair of blue jeans with an environmental theme. It’s called Hanging on the Causeway.”

The jeans will be displayed on clotheslines around the Five Rivers Resource Center during Earth Fest. “The idea is to allow the students to express what they love about the Bay or what they want to see happen on the Bay.”

Earth Fest will feature several bands including Grayson Capps and The Stump Knockers, Jeff and Vida, Kung Fu Mama and Justin Fobes and Big Tall Matt.

Admission to the festival is free.