Great American State Fair Opens on National Mall Amid Power and Weather Issues
President Donald Trump opened the Freedom250-backed Great American State Fair on the National Mall, featuring a 110-foot Ferris wheel and a limited lineup of concerts, CNN reported. The announcement of the Ferris wheel and concerts had been made days earlier, The Daily Beast noted. The fair’s first day was marred by a temporary loss of electricity that forced food vendors to halt service, melt desserts and delay pretzel preparation, The Daily Beast reported. Subsequent reports indicated that power problems coincided with numerous empty state booths after at least ten states and territories declined to send delegations, USA Today said.
Forbes noted low attendance, logistical challenges and criticism over Confederate symbols, and also mentioned ongoing power outages. Despite the setbacks, the event continued through July with exhibits from most states, AP News stated. Visitors told NBC News that the atmosphere remained largely nonpartisan, and The Daily Beast added that inclement weather caused brief postponements that were later resumed.
