Pennsylvania, along with a few other states, has decided not to take part in the Great American State Fair at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. They cited “high costs to taxpayers” and difficulty in securing sponsors for booths as reasons for their absence.
According to a statement made to the hill, a representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development confirmed the state’s decision to bow out of the event.
The Great American State Fair is set to run from June 25 to July 10. Other states, particularly those run by Democrats, have also chosen not to participate, including Maine, Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, Oregon, North Carolina, and Connecticut.
In an interview, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) criticized President Donald Trump for making “patriotism partisan and personal.” Shapiro mentioned that his office contacted “companies associated with President Trump’s events” and collaborated with the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce to recruit businesses for the 16-day festival. However, he noted that “no one was interested.”
“This reflects a troubling situation, where the president has politicized this event to the extent that companies are hesitant to get involved,” Shapiro elaborated.
As the Great American State Fair approaches, event organizers Freedom 250 announced via X that a large Ferris wheel is being set up for the occasion.
“The Freedom 250 Ferris Wheel is located on the National Mall, positioned between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument,” Freedom 250 explained in a recent post. “For 16 days, visitors can enjoy the views from above, visit state pavilions, and experience a taste of America at the Great American State Fair.”
Freedom 250 also shared that rodeo shows will occur daily during the fair.
“The evolution of the American cowboy is arriving at the National Mall,” Freedom 250 declared. “From the Spanish vaquero tradition to contemporary rodeo, discover the story of the American West right in the heart of our nation’s capital. Performances will take place every day from June 25 to July 10.”
