The Great American State Fair has opened on the National Mall, offering attractions such as a dinosaur rib cage and a 7,000-pound sandcastle, alongside state-themed exhibits. The fair, which runs into July, is organized by Freedom 250, a group established by former President Donald Trump to manage his administration's official events.
The creation of Freedom 250 and the fair itself have generated tension with America250, a congressionally chartered organization tasked with planning the nation's 250th anniversary. Early attendance on Friday was sparse, with minimal time spent at security checkpoints.
Visitors encountered attractions including a 110-foot Ferris wheel, the fair's sole ride, and decorative arches reminiscent of those used at Trump's previous events. The fair also features live animals from Future Farmers of America, baby chicks, and a planned cowboy performance.
Many attendees expressed a desire for a nonpartisan celebration of American unity. "Half the country is divided with the other half. I wish they would create a USA 250 for all the people. I’m tired of the politics," said Sharyn Bovat, a fairgoer. She noted that the arch contributed to a political atmosphere, which she compared to Germany.
State exhibits aimed to showcase unique aspects of each participating region. Montana's display included a large apatosaurus rib cage, while Virginia's booth highlighted its historical significance. The District of Columbia featured a banner for visitor signatures and a cherry blossom tree, and South Carolina offered a putting green. Arizona's interactive exhibit, allowing visitors to place themselves in state terrain, drew a line. New Jersey presented an elaborate sandcastle constructed from sand sourced from the Jersey Shore.
However, not all states participated. Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania opted out, citing concerns over costs, scheduling, or politicization. Some booths, including those for Hawaii and Alaska, were unstaffed, though Hawaii's featured rocking chairs for visitors.
Alonzo Lewis Jr., visiting from New York, questioned the necessity of the event. "Was it necessary, I don't think so," he stated. "It feels forced. There's so much separation." His companion, Kelly Domizio, recalled the 1976 bicentennial, remembering "a sense of pride" and togetherness, and felt the current event "feels forced."