WASHINGTON – A dinosaur rib cage. A 7,000-pound sandcastle made with Jersey Shore sand. Two rocking chairs in an unstaffed booth, along with a number of empty spaces. This is the Great American State Fair.
The fair kicked off this week, organized by Freedom 250, an organization established by President Donald Trump to manage his administration’s official events. This move has sparked tension with America250, a congressionally created group tasked with planning the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event on the National Mall is set to run into July.
Initial crowds on Friday were modest, allowing for a quick passage through security. Attendees were greeted by a 110-foot tall Ferris wheel, the sole ride at the fair, along with a smaller arch reminiscent of those used by the Republican president at previous events.
Feedback from visitors suggested that while the fair was a commendable concept, it could be viewed as a potentially missed opportunity for broader engagement.
A Fair for America: Highlighting Divisions
Attendees familiar with state fairs would recognize the goats, sheep, and a calf, courtesy of the Washington High School Future Farmers of America from Jefferson County, West Virginia. Baby chicks, with their soft downy feathers, were a major attraction, and there was anticipation for a cowboy performance featuring bucking broncos to celebrate the American cowboy’s legacy.
Visitors expressed a desire to see states come together to showcase their unique characteristics, notable figures, industries, and geographical diversity. Many were drawn by the hope for a nonpartisan celebration of American unity.
“There are nice people, nice events, nice family experiences,” said Sharyn Bovat, a Florida resident who has been in Washington since suffering a heart attack this year. “Half the country is divided, and I wish they would create a USA 250 for everyone. I’m tired of the politics.”
Bovat noted that the arch gave the event a political tone, stating, “It makes me think of Germany.”
The Display of American Diversity
The fair booths, housed within structures mimicking the neoclassical architecture of the nearby National Gallery of Art, offered a glimpse into Americana.
Among the displays, Montana showcased a gigantic rib cage of a scaled-up apatosaurus, a relative of the brontosaurus. Virginia’s booth provided a historical journey through its significance in American history. The District of Columbia featured a large banner for visitors to sign and a cherry blossom tree, while South Carolina invited guests to enjoy a putting green.
Texas’s exhibit included a space capsule, a facade of the Alamo, and a statue of Big Tex. Arizona’s interactive display, allowing visitors to experience its terrain, was the only booth with a line outside.
Visitors to New Jersey’s booth marveled at an ornate sandcastle made from 7,000 pounds of sand sourced from the Jersey Shore, constructed over four days by an artist.
Andy Walters and his wife, Kirsten, from Wapakoneta, Ohio, the childhood home of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong, expressed mixed feelings. “I think it’s nice. I wish all the states were participating,” Andy said. “It’s a bit underwhelming, but it’s a great idea.”
Kirsten added that she wished such events were held more frequently, devoid of political overtones. “We’re excited to be here and participate,” she remarked.
Participation and Representation Challenges
While most states participated, treating the fair as a tourism opportunity, full representation was lacking. States like Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania opted out, citing costs, scheduling conflicts, or concerns over politicization.
Some booths, including those from Hawaii and Alaska, were unstaffed. Hawaii’s booth featured a couple of rocking chairs, which provided a resting spot for weary visitors.
Alonzo Lewis Jr. and Kelly Domizio from Rome, New York, took advantage of the seating. “This was really pretty cool,” Domizio said. “We’ve been going to all the different states.”
However, her husband had a different perspective. “Was it necessary? I don’t think so,” Lewis commented. “It feels forced. There’s so much separation.”
Domizio reflected on the bicentennial celebration in 1976, noting, “There was a sense of pride and togetherness. We are enjoying the day, but it feels forced.”
