WASHINGTON — The Great American State Fair on the National Mall has all the trappings of a classic state fair: food vendors, merchandise, a Ferris wheel and scores of activities.
But on Tuesday, just days before the nation’s 250th anniversary, one thing was, for the most part, notably absent. The crowds.
Early in the afternoon, few of the exhibits representing every state had lines to enter. Most were small rooms with a few tables showcasing artwork or cultural items, with a trickle of guests politely making their way through. Concessions areas were plenty and unfilled.
Some attendees said the heat might have hurt attendance. The Washington, D.C. area saw temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s most of the day Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
It’s only going to get hotter. Temperatures through the rest of the week are expected to reach highs of up to 105 degrees, with a heat index of more than 110 degrees.
‘Every state has something to contribute’
Pamela Lathrop, 56, of Florida, said more people will likely attend as it gets closer to the Fourth of July.
“It’s getting busier as the day lets on, and so I hope everybody comes today, because I hear tomorrow’s gonna be really hot,” she said. “But I don’t really pay attention to crowd size. I’m just here enjoying myself, and I’m glad that D.C. put this on, and I think it’s a good thing to celebrate our 250 years.”
Lathrop, who traveled from The Sunshine State for the 250th, added that she’s staying through the weekend to attend Independence Day celebrations and President Donald Trump’s speech on Saturday. What’s billed as an extraordinary fireworks display is scheduled to finish out the Fourth in the nation’s capital.
Despite the rising temperatures, more guests continued to arrive throughout the day, and the state exhibits started to fill up.
Doug Woody, 66, of Fairfax, said the event felt different from a classic state fair, but that it was well put together.
“I think this is really more to promote the U.S.A. and give the individual states a chance to show what they bring to the table,” he said. “Every state has something to contribute, you know? Maybe some states have put a little bit more time and energy into it than others, but overall, I mean, they’re here, so they’re representing, so that’s good.”
Trump’s Freedom250
The Great American State Fair is part of Freedom250, the Trump administration’s marquee celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial. It is separate from America 250, the nonpartisan commission created by Congress tasked with organizing its own celebration of the anniversary.
Not all states are staffing booths at the fair. A spokesperson for Washington state’s lieutenant governor’s office told States Newsroom the administration declined to join because of “the costs to the state associated with participating.”
According to news reports, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont did not contribute exhibits, though many are still represented by flags outside the individual booths.
Pennsylvania did not initially take part but on June 27, Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators, Dave McCormick and John Fetterman, announced that a coalition of Pennsylvania organizations would represent the state in its booth.
Oregon resident Michael Lowe Mackenzie said he was surprised there weren’t more people in attendance Tuesday. He added that the celebration should not be partisan toward any one side or political figure, but rather “disconnected from all of that.”
“I want to celebrate our nation’s history, warts and all, unobfuscated,” he said.
