A downtown parade on Saturday will kick off the city’s celebration of Earth Day.

Kansas University Environs will host a parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday on Massachusetts Street from Seventh Street to South Park.

A celebration featuring live music, food vendors and children’s games will start after the parade at South Park. The event, sponsored by the city’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Division will include exhibits on alternative fuels, energy conservation, land preservation and other topics.

Lawrence Parks and Recreation leaders also will offer garden and tree identification tours during the event. Admission to all of the events is free of charge.

In addition, the city’s public transit system will offer free rides all day on Saturday as part of the city’s Earth Day celebration.