The "Great American State Fair," a 16-day celebration of American culture on the National Mall organized to mark the country's semiquincentennial, is set to kick off Thursday between the U.S. Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial. However, at least seven states led by Democratic governors have publicly declined to send official representatives to the event, with some raising concerns that it is shaping up to be more partisan than initially presented.
Freedom 250, the organization commissioned by the Trump administration to plan the celebration, said all 50 states and U.S. territories will be represented regardless of direct state government involvement. Massachusetts, North Carolina, Washington, Illinois, Oregon, Connecticut and Maine have opted not to participate as official state delegations.
What the Right Is Saying
Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner rejected claims that participation required payment and emphasized the nonpartisan nature of the organization. "Freedom 250 is a nonpartisan organization, full stop — and our track record of collaboration across red, blue, and purple states speaks for itself," she said in a statement to The Hill.
Several Democratic-led states are confirmed participants. California's official delegation will attend, along with Colorado's exhibit featuring real coniferous trees, a ski lift and a Red Rocks Amphitheatre-inspired feature. "Our State looks forward to showcasing Colorado at the Great American State Fair with an engaging, interactive experience giving visitors a taste of Colorado's outdoors," spokesperson Eric Maruyama said.
New York's official tourism campaign, "I LOVE NY," has organized an activation with opportunities to win branded prizes. North Carolina will be represented by vehicle company Spveco and NASCAR team Richard Childress Racing, prompting praise from Gov. Josh Stein's office. "Two hundred and fifty years ago, North Carolina led the way to American independence, and Governor Stein is pleased to honor our state's First in Freedom legacy," a spokesperson said.
President Trump announced on Truth Social that he would host a rally at the Lincoln Memorial ahead of July 4th fireworks. "Starting at 7 P.M. EST, this HUGE Celebration will honor our Country's People, Spirit, Strength, Resolve, and Triumphs," he wrote.
What the Left Is Saying
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey accused President Trump during a Boston Public Radio appearance of using the fair to "get money into his own pocket." She said the administration invited states to participate but wanted to charge them for exhibit space. "He invited all of the states to participate and wants to charge us — charge us — to go down and put something on his exhibit, whatever he's creating for Freedom 250," Healey said. "It's just ridiculous."
Washington Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, who chairs the state's semiquincentennial committee, cited fiscal pressures in a statement. "Given the significant costs associated with participating in the Great American State Fair, we chose to focus on supporting local efforts here in Washington state for this very important commemoration," he said.
Oregon spokesperson Luke Harkins pointed to both cost concerns and partisan worries. In a statement to CNN, Harkins cited "growing concerns that the event in Washington, D.C., is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented." Connecticut, Illinois and North Carolina similarly cited budget constraints as their primary reason for not participating.
Some Democratic-led states have found alternative ways to participate without using state funds. The Peoria Riverfront Museum in Illinois will showcase the state's history at the fair through an "Illinois Voices 250" hologram featuring stories from residents, with a spokesperson noting no state funds were used.
What the Numbers Show
A recent Gallup poll found that 88 percent of Republicans said they intended to mark the semiquincentennial anniversary, compared to 60 percent of independents and 54 percent of Democrats. The polling suggests a notable partisan divide in enthusiasm for federally-led celebrations.
Additionally, a Quinnipiac University poll released earlier this month found that 35 percent of Democrats did not consider themselves "proud Americans" ahead of the country's 250th anniversary. That figure stands in contrast to much higher pride levels among Republican respondents.
Freedom 250 has stressed repeatedly that its work is nonpartisan and that every state and territory received invites to participate. The event is free and open to the public on the National Mall between the Capitol and Lincoln Memorial through the celebration period.
The Bottom Line
The absence of official Democratic-led state delegations highlights the partisan tensions surrounding federal efforts to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, even as organizers insist the event remains nonpartisan. Several states are finding private or nonprofit alternatives to maintain a presence at the fair without direct government involvement.
Pennsylvania's tourism board said it is still making a determination about participation ahead of Thursday's opening. Artists who were set to perform have dropped out after learning of the event's associations with the White House, according to reports. The broader partisan divide over July 4th celebrations, reflected in polling data showing Republican enthusiasm significantly outpacing Democratic interest, appears to be playing out in how states choose to mark the occasion.