BRIDGTON - Businesses and organizations came together Tuesday to celebrate the first daylong Earth Day fair in town.

The Bridgton Community Center hosted displays on topics such as recycling and organic agriculture, and served as the launching point for two hikes into nearby protected land.

"A gentleman (previously) came in and asked me what we were going to do for Earth Day," said Carmen Lone, executive director of the center. "And I said, 'Gee, I don't know.' "

The inquiry spurred Lone to organize the fair via e-mails to interested people.

The Lakes Environmental Association and the Loon Echo Land Trust, both headquartered in Bridgton, each hosted a hike to celebrate the day. The association led a walk through Pondicherry Park, while the trust held a hike up Bald Pate Mountain.

Carrie Walia, executive director of the trust, said the hike has been occurring for about 10 years, and is traditionally followed by a stop at Bray's Brew Pub for a drink. Walia said the pub has served Bald Pate Preservation Ale since the trust announced it was working to preserve land on the mountain.

"I think a quarter out of every glass comes to us, so that's why we encourage people to drink," laughed Walia.

The LEA and trust, along with the town of Bridgton and the Appalachian Mountain Club, are working to establish trails through a 59-acre parcel in the center of town. Bridie McGreavy, watershed education director at the LEA, led the morning walk through the land, pointing out signs of animals and early human settlements.

"You keep hearing that 'Earth Day is every day' slogan, but it's really true," McGreavy said. "If you just care about the Earth for one day each year, that's missing the point."

McGreavy said approximately $200,000 is needed to complete work at the park. She said the park will likely open this summer, but people are welcome to explore it before then.

At the community center, several posters created by students at Stevens Brook Elementary School adorned the walls, and videos on topics such as global warming and peak oil played in the "Earth Day Theater."

Marino Lipiatos, an electrician from Lovell, said he works with alternative energy systems such as photovoltaic cells and wind turbines.

"Because of the price, because they're expensive, you need to design each system for the use of that house," Lipiatos said.

However, he said houses with enough exposure to sunlight have a warranty of 25 to 28 years, and can pay for themselves in eight to 10 years. Lipiatos said solar homes connected to a power grid are credited for energy sent back into the system.

"It ends up averaging out that you're not paying anything at the end of the year," he said.

Pat Blake of Otisfield and Holly Ihloff of Casco said they formed their company, Native Way, which makes natural skin care products, after reading a National Geographic magazine article about chemicals that can make their way into the human body.

"This was the point where we decided to jump in," Ihloff said. "It became a moral imperative."

Julee Applegarth, manager at Rippling Waters Organic Farm in Standish, said the lack of pesticides and herbicides prevents runoff of chemicals into the Saco River and enhances the quality of the farmland.

"You're always adding nutrients back into the environment," Applegarth said.

Sally Chapel of Bridgton, who assisted with the organization of the event, said she believes environmental issues are important across generations, noting that the fair drew people of all ages.

"I think this was a motivational event for people," Chapel said. "I thought it was very successful, and I hope it's a yearly event."