WASHINGTON — A towering Ferris wheel stretching 110 feet into the sky, a rodeo demonstration, and an abundance of indulgent fair food greeted visitors Thursday as “The Great American State Fair” opened along Washington’s National Mall, launching a 16-day series of events marking the nation’s 250th birthday.
The 1.5-mile stretch of the National Mall connecting the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument was largely fenced off to accommodate the festivities. President Donald Trump launched the celebration Wednesday evening with a campaign-style rally, held after a number of originally scheduled performers withdrew from the event, expressing concern that it was taking on a partisan character.
For many attendees, the day was simply about enjoying America’s milestone. “We are here to just celebrate America, a long journey that she has had,” said Ashley, a visitor from Ohio who chose not to share her last name. “My kids have been wanting that aerial view from the Ferris wheel. They are excited.”
The fair pays tribute to the beloved summer state fairs held across the country each year — events known for handmade quilts, butter sculptures, and enormous pumpkins. It is part of a broader nationwide series of events leading up to July 4th, which marks the American colonists’ Declaration of Independence from Britain in 1776.
The structures lining the Mall, situated between the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, are temporary installations. That stands in contrast to more lasting changes President Trump is pursuing in Washington, including demolishing the East Wing of the White House to build a large ballroom, a rushed renovation of the National Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial, and a proposed 250-foot arch to be constructed near Arlington National Cemetery.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the anniversary celebrations have not been without controversy. Attendees included visible supporters of Trump’s Make America Great Again movement, and a Reuters/Ipsos poll taken this month revealed that a majority of Americans — including three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans — believe the 250th anniversary events have become overly political.
Seven states, each led by a Democratic governor, chose not to send official delegations to the fair. The event’s organizers, Freedom 250, maintained that all 50 states would still be represented. Freedom 250 is a public-private partnership established by the White House to coordinate the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations alongside federal agencies.
Oregon was among the boycotting states. A spokesman for Democratic Governor Tina Kotek explained the decision, stating: “The State of Oregon will not be participating in the Great American State Fair due to both the cost of participating in the Fair and growing concerns that the event in Washington, D.C., is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented.”
Critics have also taken aim at the historical narrative presented at the event. Civil rights advocates have accused Trump of pushing a revisionist version of American history that minimizes significant chapters including slavery, the mistreatment of Native Americans, and the consequences of U.S. foreign policy. Those topics were largely absent from the fair’s exhibits. Trump has previously stated that prior to his presidency, there was too much emphasis placed on those subjects.
Even so, many of those who showed up on opening day said politics was not on their minds. “It’s a good family time on a nice summer day is how I see it,” said Sarah Parker, who made the trip from neighboring Virginia with her husband. “It’s a good way to get a feel of the country.”
