The American State Fair: A Showcase of Diversity and Division
The American State Fair began recently, organized by Freedom 250, a group established by President Donald Trump. This organization was created to manage official government events, creating tension with America250, a congressional initiative planning the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event takes place on the National Mall until July 10.
Early attendees on Friday were greeted by a single 33-meter-tall Ferris wheel, the exclusive ride of the fair. Beyond it was an arch similar to those used by the Republican president for other events. While many saw the fair as a positive idea, they also viewed it as a missed opportunity, highlighting divisions in the United States.
Familiar sights at the fair included livestock from Future Farmers of America at Washington High School, West Virginia. Chickens with soft, fluffy plumage were a major draw. The fair also promised a rodeo show to emphasize the American cowboy legacy.
Attendees expressed excitement about the chance to unify states through their unique features, famous citizens, industries, history, and geography. The notion of a non-partisan American unity celebration was appealing to many, including Sharyn Bovat. Residing temporarily in Washington, she yearned for a united America250, stating, “I’m tired of politics.” The arch was seen as a political symbol, with Bovat remarking, “It makes me think of Germany.”
Showcasing American Diversity
Fair booths, housed in structures styled after the nearby National Gallery of Art’s neoclassical architecture, offered glimpses into American character. Montana’s display featured a massive dinosaur ribcage, like an enlarged Apatosaurus, a cousin of the more famous Brontosaurus.
Virginia’s booth highlighted the state’s role in American history. Washington D.C. offered a cherry blossom-laden tree and a large banner for visitor signatures. South Carolina invited participants to enjoy a mini-golf green. Texas displayed a space capsule, an Alamo replica, and a Big Tex statue. The Arizona exhibit had the only queue, where visitors could place themselves in state landscapes interactively.
New Jersey showcased a detailed sandcastle, crafted with 7,000 pounds of Jersey Shore sand over four days by an artist. Andy Walters and his family, from Wapakoneta, Ohio—hometown of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong—expressed their hopes for broader state participation in such fairs.
Kirsten Walters wished for similar events more often, devoid of political undertones. “We’re excited to be here and participate,” she said.
Limited State Participation
While most states viewed the fair as a tourism opportunity, not all participated. Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania declined delegation involvement due to costs or concerns over politicization. Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick emphasized ensuring a proper showcase of their state’s singular role in America’s history.
Some booths, including those of Hawaii and Alaska, were unstaffed. Hawaii alone had a pair of rocking chairs used by tired visitors. Alonzo Lewis Jr. and Kelly Domizio, from Rome, New York, noticed “a forced feeling” at the fair. “There’s a lot of separation,” noted Lewis.
Domizio recalled the 1976 bicentennial with its “sense of pride” and unity. She admitted they enjoyed their day, yet felt it was contrived.