The Great American State Fair, one of several events organized as part of President Trump’s celebrations in Washington, D.C., marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, is set to start later this month. But at least seven states have opted not to participate.
The fair was supposed to provide a unifying presence around the semiquincentennial, with 50 states and U.S. territories showcasing their cultures and heritage at various pavilions on the National Mall.
While Freedom 250 is covering the expense to build out these pavilions, USA Today reported that each state must cover the costs of how they choose to fill and staff their booths during the 16-day event, which runs from June 25 through July 10. Officials from all seven states — Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington — have cited cost concerns in explaining their decisions not to participate. An Oregon official said the state was also worried that the event was becoming too politicized. Each state is led by a Democratic governor.
Freedom 250, a Trump-aligned nonprofit, is organizing the Great American State Fair. It was formed under Task Force 250, which consists of Trump Cabinet members. It’s separate from America250, a bipartisan commission established by Congress to organize celebrations of America’s birthday.
Rachel Reisner, a Freedom 250 spokeswoman, told the New York Times that it’s a nonpartisan organization, “full stop — and our track record of collaboration across red, blue and purple states speaks for itself.”
Reisner added that all states and territories will be represented at the fair, even if official state agencies decline to participate.
“Whether represented by a governor’s office, a tourism board, or a beloved state company or organization, every community will be celebrated,” she said.
The decision by some states to opt out of the event comes on the heels of the cancellation of the fair’s opening concert series after nearly all of the announced musicians, including Martina McBride and Bret Michaels, backed out. Many artists said the event was becoming too politically charged. Trump is instead set to launch the event with a rally featuring musicians Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio on June 24.
These are the states that have opted out — and why
Connecticut
Leaders are choosing to focus on statewide events tied to America’s semiquincentennial, Cathryn Vaulman, director of communications for Gov. Ned Lamont, said in a statement.
“Connecticut’s decision to decline participation in the Great American State Fair came down to resources,” Vaulman said. “The federal government has asked states to foot the bill to participate, including staffing a multiweek exhibition.”
Illinois
State officials have reportedly declined an invitation from the Trump administration to participate.
CNN reported that the Peoria Riverfront Museum has volunteered to represent Illinois at the fair, and state funds will not be used to support their participation.
Maine
According to NOTUS.org, Maine declined to participate in the fair in an official capacity. No alternative plans have been announced.
Massachusetts
Gov. Maura Healey said in a June 2 interview with GBH News that Trump wants to “charge us” for the state’s exhibit at the Great American Fair. “It’s just ridiculous. This is taxpayer money,” she said.
North Carolina
A spokesperson for North Carolina’s 250 planning committee said they can’t attend due to the costs of participating in the multiday event.
Michele Walker, a spokeswoman for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, said that “our limited resources are focused on America 250 events across North Carolina, including one at the State Capitol in Raleigh on July 4.”
Oregon
In addition to the costs, Luke Harkins, a spokesman for the state, said there were “growing concerns that the event in Washington, D.C., is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented.”
Washington
State officials declined the invitation to participate, per CNN.
