Drizzle fell on the National Mall on Saturday as visitors explored booths representing all 56 states and territories at President Donald Trump's Great American State Fair, an elaborate celebration of America's 250th birthday. The sprawling event featured temporary pavilions protecting crowds from the weather, a towering Ferris wheel, and a scaled-down replica of an arch Trump envisions as a permanent fixture in the nation's capital.
Despite the grandiose setting and Trump's well-documented push to reshape Washington, D.C. through various architectural projects, attendees said the fair itself remained refreshingly free of partisan overtones. A dozen visitors interviewed on opening weekend reported feeling no political pressure or messaging while exploring the celebrations.
"It's kind of neat because here it's just been all about America, and I haven't seen the political things," said Pamela L., 59, a visitor from Virginia Beach who attended with her husband for his birthday trip. "People are just being people and enjoying, you know, they're being kind, opening the doors, holding them for each other."
Nicole Briggs and Heather Hatter, both from Virginia, brought their children to the fair and described the atmosphere as uplifting rather than divisive. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime event for our generation," Briggs said. "I think it's a great atmosphere. The vibe is great."
The fair's opening ceremony Thursday night featured a military performance alongside remarks from Trump, in which he urged Americans to be proud of the nation's past while raising expectations for its future. Fighter jets flew overhead, military bands performed, and Lee Greenwood sang "God Bless the U.S.A."
The opening also included a speech from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that took a decidedly partisan tone, criticizing musical acts that had withdrawn from the 16-day event. Several performers had cited political concerns about their participation, creating early controversy around an event organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership created by the Trump administration.
The withdrawal of performers prompted some Democratic-led states to decline sending delegations. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek explicitly cited concerns about partisanship, while at least five other states led by Democratic governors opted out, largely citing financial constraints.
Daniela Guerrero, 25, a Washington resident, said she had expected the fair to lean heavily conservative. "I think we heard a lot, like in our communities, that it was gonna be like a MAGA rally," she said. But her experience differed. "It has been very much nonpartisan. The people showing up have been a mix of tourists just trying to celebrate freedom."
Visitors came from across the political spectrum. Lloyd Paris, 76, from Georgia, praised Trump's work in reshaping the capital but emphasized that his attendance was not driven by partisan loyalty. His wife added that they would have attended the fair regardless of who occupied the White House.
Lynn Frank, 52, from North Carolina, expressed disappointment that her state declined to send a delegation. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, decided against participating. "There's some things they all do that, you know , there's things you like and things you don't like," Frank said. "But that to me , a state fair shouldn't be political."
The fair runs for 16 days as part of broader semiquintennial celebrations organized by Freedom 250, which is planning several other events throughout the summer and fall, including fireworks displays, a FIFA World Cup FanFest, and fall sports celebrations.
Trump's larger agenda to reshape Washington includes permanent construction projects that have faced obstacles. A planned arch bearing his name and a redesigned Reflecting Pool in the nation's flag blue have encountered legal and environmental challenges. His name was removed from the Kennedy Center earlier this month at a federal judge's direction.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "The political noise around this fair's creation makes the visitor testimonies genuinely noteworthy, but the fact that Democratic states are sitting it out speaks louder than the happy crowds."
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