Several states decline participation in Trump-backed Great American State Fair
Oregon, Washington and North Carolina have refused invitations to the Great American State Fair, citing costs and concerns about partisanship, while Pennsylvania has not yet decided.
The Trump-aligned nonprofit Freedom 250 is organizing a "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10, featuring pavilions for each state and territory. Officials from Oregon, Washington and North Carolina told the organization they will not take part, and Pennsylvania is still weighing its options.
Oregon’s spokesperson said the decision was driven by the expense of participation and "growing concerns that the event in Washington D.C. is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented." Washington and North Carolina officials cited similar cost constraints.
Freedom 250 said all 50 states and territories will still be represented, even if some do not provide their own exhibits, and that each state's story will be presented authentically through various partners. The group has released renderings of proposed pavilions, including a mini-golf course for South Carolina and a replica of the Alamo for Texas.
The fair will include large white tents with neoclassical columns, a scaled-down version of a proposed 250-foot arch, a 110-foot Ferris wheel, movie screenings, musical performances and military flyovers.
Critics have raised concerns about the event’s partisan tone and the lack of transparency regarding Freedom 250’s funding, noting that the nonprofit does not have to disclose its donors. Environmental and watchdog groups have also filed lawsuits related to other 250th-anniversary activities, such as a UFC event at the White House.