By Kashmira Konduparty
Pennsylvania will not participate in the Trump-backed Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., becoming one of several Democratic-led states to decline involvement in the event marking the start of celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development confirmed that VisitPA, the state’s official tourism agency, will not send representatives to the fair, ending weeks of uncertainty over whether the Commonwealth would take part. The decision means Pennsylvania, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, will not have an official presence at the event.
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The Great American State Fair opened Wednesday on the National Mall and is scheduled to run through July 10. Organized by the nonprofit Freedom 250, the event is intended to kick off a yearlong celebration leading to the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2027. It features state pavilions, agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, food vendors, historical displays and live entertainment.
President Donald Trump officially launched the festivities with a rally on opening day, describing the fair as a celebration of American history, culture and patriotism. The event has also included military displays, rodeo demonstrations and family-oriented attractions.
Pennsylvania’s decisions reflect broader concerns among some Democratic-led states that the celebration has become closely associated with Trump’s political agenda rather than serving as a nonpartisan national commemoration. According to Axios, at least seven Democratic-led states have chosen not to participate in the fair, while some performers and vendors also withdrew over similar concerns.
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State officials did not publicly provide a detailed explanation for the decision. However, the move comes as several governors have emphasized their participation in separate America250 initiatives organized by the bipartisan congressional commission established to oversee the nation’s semi quincentennial celebrations.
Despite the absence of Pennsylvania and several other states, organizers said the fair continues to feature exhibits representing all 50 states and six U.S. territories through a combination of official and private participants. Admission to the event is free, with visitors able to experience regional food, cultural exhibits and educational programming celebrating American history.