The American State Fair kicked off this week, overseen by Freedom 250, an organization initiated by President Donald Trump. This group manages official events in Trump’s administration, sparking tensions with America250, a congressional entity planning the nation’s 250th anniversary. Held on the National Mall, the fair runs through July 10.
Early Friday saw a modest crowd, quickly passing through security to a 33-meter-high Ferris wheel, the fair’s lone attraction, beneath a smaller arch resembling those President Trump used in previous events. Interviewees acknowledged the fair’s potential yet noted it felt like a missed opportunity, illustrating U.S. divisions.
Familiar to fair-goers were livestock like goats, sheep, and a calf, their sounds resonating across the Mall. Provided by Future Farmers of America from Washington High School, Jefferson County, West Virginia, the chicks, fluffy and charming, were popular. A cowboy performance highlighted the American cowboy’s rise.
Visitors expressed enthusiasm for states showcasing unique traits, famous citizens, industries, and geographical diversity, yearning for a non-partisan celebration of American unity.
“There’s nice people, nice events, nice family events. The country is divided. I wish they’d create a U.S. 250 for everyone. I’m tired of politics,” said Sharyn Bovat, a Florida resident staying in Washington after suffering a heart attack. She felt the arch added a political tone, reminiscent of Germany.
Fair booths, housed in structures mimicking nearby National Gallery of Art architecture, offered glimpses into American character.
Montana’s display featured a giant rib cage, a magnified version of the apatosaurus. Virginia showcased its historical role. Washington, D.C. provided a banner for visitor signatures alongside a cherry blossom-filled tree. South Carolina invited mini-golf enthusiasts. Texas included a space capsule, Alamo facade, and Big Tex statue.
The sole queue formed at Arizona’s exhibit, offering interactive experiences in state landscapes. New Jersey displayed an ornate sandcastle crafted from 7,000 pounds of Jersey Shore sand by an artist over four days.
Andy Walters and wife Kirsten, visiting with their three children from Wapakoneta, Ohio—Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong’s hometown—appreciated the fair but hoped for broader state participation.
“It’s nice. I wish all states participated. It’s disappointing but a great idea,” Andy Walters remarked.
Kirsten Walters yearned for more frequent, neutral events, expressing enthusiasm to be present.
Despite broad participation, not all states were present. Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania abstained due to costs, scheduling, or political concerns. Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick met business organizations to ensure the Keystone State’s worthy representation.
Absent staff marked some booths, like Hawaii and Alaska, with Hawaii offering empty rocking chairs for visitor respite.
Alonzo Lewis Jr. and Kelly Domizio, from Rome, New York, found solace in the chairs.
“It’s quite nice,” Domizio noted. “I’ve been exploring different states.”
Lewis differed in opinion.
“Was it necessary? I don’t think so,” he stated. “It feels forced, with much division.”
Domizio recalled the 1976 bicentennial with pride and unity.
“We’re enjoying the day, but it feels forced,” she reflected.