A sweeping celebration of American history and culture has arrived in the nation’s capital, as the Great American State Fair officially opens its doors on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The event is part of the broader series of festivities marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. Hundreds of exhibits have been set up along the Mall, giving visitors a chance to explore what different states have to offer.
However, the fair has not been without controversy — not every state has chosen to participate, leaving some notable gaps in the national showcase.
The opening of the fair represents one of the more visible events tied to the country’s semiquincentennial celebrations, drawing attention both for what it includes and for the states that have opted to sit it out.
