Earth Day Dallas recently announced it's now 
Earth Day Texas.

Photos courtesy of Earth Day Texas.

Nov. 19, 2013

Earth Day Dallas just had a growth spurt. The two-day environmental festival launched in 2011 was already one of the biggest Earth Day celebrations in the U.S. Now it’s changed its name hoping to draw visitors and vendors from across the Lone Star State. Looking for a green State Fair? Get ready for Earth Day Texas. 

Dallas native Michael Cain has been enlisted to take the nonprofit to the next level. With a long list of achievements in the film industry, including founding the Dallas International and the Deep Ellum Film Festivals, producing the major motion picture Jobs and launching his own film production company, M3 Films, Cain says his experience fits his new role.

“I got into film to change the world,” said Cain. “Earth Day Texas is the perfect medium to affect the way people live, the way they think and work.” 

He added that films are what turned him into an environmentalist in the 1970s. Watching movies like Chinatown and Soylent Green awakened him to the reality of the country's limited resources. Later, documentaries like Flow and Fuel led him to understand that action was needed.

Now he’s hoping to bring these issues to the public while showcasing businesses, educational institutions, speakers, along with films, all touting an environmental message. The 2014 festival will return to Fair Park, which organizers say can accommodate 800 booths. They’re expecting 60,000 attendees for the April 26-27 weekend.

New Earth Day Texas executive director Michael Cain.

For the first time, the festival will have a theme: water. It’s a hot topic after the recent passage of Proposition 6, which allocated $2 billion for statewide water conservation efforts.

“Everyone understands this is an issue in Texas,” said Cain. “The support of Proposition 6 is proof that people are aware that something has got to change.” 

As for Earth Day Texas’ new scope, Cain said they’ve already received a flurry of congratulations from around the state on their name change. They are putting out the welcome mat for vendors and institutions from Houston, San Antonio, Austin and beyond to join in the eco-friendly celebration.

In addition, in the coming weeks, he’ll be formulating a 3-5 year plan for the festival, which includes increasing attendance and business support and possibly expanding programs year round.

“We’re only limited by how far our imaginations and our hopes and dreams take us,” said Cain.  

He admits he feels the pressure taking over the reins of the biggest green fest the state’s ever known. However, he aims to be true to founder Trammell S. Crow’s vision.

“Very rarely are you brought into an event that’s this successful,” said Cain. “I don’t want to lose the momentum that’s already been created.”


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