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The expo launched this week and is run by Freedom 250, an organization created by President Donald Trump to run official events for his administration.
Kristen Bailey, right, and Jason Brown, left, pose for a photo as they eat lunch on the National Mall with the Washington Monument, the 250 Ferris Wheel of Liberty, and a replica of the Arc de Triomphe, behind them during the Great American State Fair, Friday, June 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Caroline Custer) AP
WASHINGTON (AP) — The rib cage of a dinosaur. A 7,000-pound sand castle made from Jersey Shore sand. Two rocking chairs in an unstaffed booth plus a number of empty spaces.
This is the great American state fair.
The exhibition launched this week and is run by Freedom 250, an organization I founded President Donald Trump To manage the official events of his administration. Its creation caused tension with America 250, a congressionally created group designed to plan the celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. The event will continue on the National Mall through July.
The crowds came in small numbers early Friday, spending little time in security. The entrance led directly to a 110-foot-tall Ferris wheel, the only ride at the fair, and a smaller arch, similar to those the Republican president has used to decorate other events.
The consensus among interviewees was that the exhibition was a great idea – and perhaps a missed opportunity.
An exhibition for America that highlights the divisions of some
The goats, sheep and calf were familiar to anyone who has ever attended the fair, as their bellowing could be heard throughout the mall, all thanks to the Washington High School of Future Farmers of America from Jefferson County, West Virginia. The young chicks, resplendent in all their downy softness, were a big attraction, and there was the promise of a cowboy performance with bucking broncos to highlight the rise of the American cowboy.
Visitors were united by their enthusiasm for bringing countries together and showcasing their unique personalities, famous indigenous people, industries, history and geographic diversity. They were also attracted by the desire for a nonpartisan celebration of American unity.
“There are nice people, nice events, nice family events,” said Sharyn Buffat, who said she lived in Florida but has remained in the Washington area since her heart attack this year. “Half the country is divided by the other half. I wish they would create a 250 United States of America for all the people. I’m tired of politics.”
She said that the arch was the main thing that gave the event a political color. “It makes me think of Germany,” she said.
The gallery’s booths, all inside structures resembling the neoclassical architecture of the nearby National Gallery of Art, offered snippets of Americana to visitors.
Different aspects of America are on display
Among the items representing Montana was a giant rib cage, an enlarged version of the Apatosaurus, a more famous cousin of the Brontosaurus.
The Virginia Pavilion offered a journey through the state’s role in American history. For the District of Columbia, there was a huge banner for visitors to sign, along with a tree filled with cherry blossoms. The state of South Carolina invited people to enjoy the golf course.
Texas included a space capsule, the facade of the Alamo, and a statue – Big Tex. The only place that had a line outside was the Arizona exhibit, which had an interactive ride that allowed visitors to place themselves in terrain from the state.
Visitors to the New Jersey Pavilion viewed an ornate sandcastle made from 7,000 pounds of sand brought from the Jersey Shore and built over four days by an artist.
Andy Walters and his wife Kirsten were there with their three children from Wapakoneta, Ohio, the hometown of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong. “I think it’s beautiful. I hope all the states get involved,” Andy Walters said. “It’s a little depressing but a great idea.”
Kirsten Walters said she wished something similar could be held more often, without the overtones. “We are excited to be here and participate,” she said.
Not all countries participated or staffed their booths
Most countries participated, treating the exhibition almost like a tourism opportunity. But there was not complete representation.
Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania chose not to send delegations, due to costs, scheduling, or politicization concerns.
Some booths, including those for Hawaii and Alaska, were unstaffed. Hawaii has two rocking chairs, which were put to good use by tired visitors.
Alonzo Lewis Jr. and Kelly Domezio, of Rome, New York, took advantage of the opportunity to remove the load.
“That was really cool,” she said. “I’ve been to all different states.”
But her husband had a different point of view.
“Was it necessary, I don’t think so,” Lewis said. “It feels forced. There’s a lot of separation.”
Dumezio said she remembers the bicentennial in 1976.
“There was a sense of pride” and togetherness, she said. “We are enjoying the day but it feels forced.”