Great American State Fair Temporarily Closed Due to Extreme Heat

Attendees at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall were asked to leave on Friday after temperatures in Washington, D.C., rose to 100 degrees for a second consecutive day. Freedom250, the group behind the fair, said it closed the event in coordination with public safety officials. > "The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and staff is our highest priority. Conditions are expected to improve later this afternoon, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back at 5:00 p.m. as preparations continue for this evening’s festivities," the organization posted on X. A recorded announcement broadcast over the fair’s speakers instructed visitors to exit and noted that the fair would reopen at 5 p.m., directing guests to Freedom250’s social media for further updates.