Several states withdraw from Trump-linked Great American State Fair
Five states led by Democratic governors have opted out of the Great American State Fair, citing budget limits and concerns about the event’s partisan tone, while organizers say all states will still be represented.
At least five states – Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Oregon – have announced they will not take part in the Great American State Fair, a celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday scheduled to begin on June 25 on the National Mall. The withdrawals, each from a state with a Democratic governor, were attributed to financial constraints and, in some cases, worries that the event could become partisan.
"Our limited resources are focused on America 250 events across North Carolina, including one at the state Capitol in Raleigh on July 4," said Michele Walker, spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Oregon’s spokesperson, Luke Harkins, added that the cost of participation was high and expressed "growing concerns that the event in Washington, D.C., is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented."
The fair is being organized by Freedom 250, a subsidiary of the National Park Foundation. The group said that even without official state agency involvement, each state and territory will still have representation through governors’ offices, tourism boards or private organizations. For example, a North Carolina specialty-vehicle company, Spevco, is slated to represent the state.
"Whether represented by a governor’s office, a tourism board, or a beloved state company or organization, every community will be celebrated, and every American will see themselves in this event," said Rachel Reisner, spokesperson for Freedom 250.
Freedom 250 described itself as nonpartisan and highlighted its history of collaboration across political lines. Critics have questioned the organization’s transparency and its ties to the Trump administration, noting that some performers withdrew after learning the fair was linked to the president and were subsequently asked to cancel.
The fair’s planned attractions include food from all 50 states and six territories, military demonstrations and a 110-foot Ferris wheel, with a schedule extending over 16 days.