FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, April 18, 2023
CONTACTS: Nick Dodge, nickdodge@michiganlcv.org, (616) 796-4912, Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org, (906) 869-4167
Rain or Shine, Oakland County Earth Day To March On
Royal Oak, MI - Following less-than-spectacular weather predictions for Earth Day on April 22, the lead organizers for the Oakland County Earth Day Climate March, Rally, and Fair are reassuring participants that, rain or shine, the event will continue.
“We were fortunate to have unusually pleasant weather last year for Earth Day. Current forecasts are calling for rain this Saturday, but we refuse to let that stymie our momentum. Oakland County must seize this moment to take action to fight against the climate crisis while creating justice and protecting future generations from much more severe weather than what we may have on Saturday. We are Michiganders; we can handle a little rain.” said Fred Miller, an activist with Turn Oakland County Green, a coalition of environmental groups co-sponsoring the event with the Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board.
The fair itself will have plenty of tents to help shelter the 40-plus vendors and participants from the rain. Organizers are also excited to announce that an electric SMART bus will be there for participants to learn more about the future of clean transportation. A virtual press event regarding the event and recent updates was held on April 10. A recording of the event can be found here.
When: Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Royal Oak Centennial Commons Park, 221 East Third Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067
What:
Climate March: 10 a.m.
Rally (with live music): 11 a.m.
Earth Fair (with 40-plus exhibits): 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Highlights: Electric school bus, Ford Mustang Mach-E, the first electric SMART bus, Recycling truck
Live music by the Detroit Celtic Revival, the Detroit Party Marching Band and folk singer Judy Insley.
Who:
Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board
Turn Oakland County Green
Moms Clean Air Force
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Sierra Club
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Action
Featured Speakers:
Andy Levin, Former U.S. Representative
Mallory McMorrow, Michigan State Senator
Helena Scott, Michigan State Representative
Mikal Goodman, Pontiac City Councilman
Pastor Lester Mangum, St. John United Methodist Church
Vedika Iyer and Molly Levin, Sunrise Movement Hub Coordinators
Kimathi Boothe, NAACP Climate Justice Co-Chair
Michael Fournier, Royal Oak Mayor
Charlie Cavell, Oakland County Commissioner
Janice Means, Professor Emerita from the College of Architecture and Design at Lawrence Technological University
For more information, visit: OAKLAND COUNTY MARCH | Turnoaklandgreen.com