Six states have RSVP’d no to the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., one of the biggest celebrations of the summer to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday. At least three more remain undecided.
The fair is intended to represent all 56 states and territories to showcase “the very best of America.” Executing that goal is quickly becoming both expensive and political.
Why did 6 states RSVP ‘No’ to the State Fair?
Connecticut, Oregon, Illinois, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Maine will not be sending an official delegation to the high-profile celebration, NOTUS reported.
Many of these states are citing financial reasons for not participating.
“Connecticut’s decision to decline participation in the Great American State Fair came down to resources,” Cathryn Vaulman, director of communications in the office of Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, said in a statement to Deseret News. “We chose to focus our energy where it will have the greatest impact for our residents — on the many celebrations being planned across the state.”
To participate in the fair, states are supposed to maintain a 600-square-foot booth with interactive experiences that highlight the unique heritage and culture of their state, which can cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
North Carolina is also unable to attend “due to the expenditures required to participate,” said Michele Walker, assistant communications director in the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, in a statement to the Deseret News.
“Our limited resources are focused on America 250 events across North Carolina,” Walker said.
The state is hosting multiple local events, including an all-day festival of its own at the state Capitol in Raleigh on July 4.
While every state that has declined the invitation to attend is led by a Democratic governor, none of the states provided statements citing political reasons for not attending to the Deseret News.
Will all 56 states and territories still be represented?
Rachel Reisner, a Freedom 250 spokesperson, said all 50 states and six territories will be represented at the fair.
“Whether represented by a governor’s office, a tourism board, or a beloved state company or organization, every community will be celebrated, and every American will see themselves in this once-in-a-generation event,” Reisner said in a statement.
Illinois will be represented by the Peoria Riverfront Museum, which volunteered to represent the state, according to Jayette Bolinski, director of communications at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“To highlight the state’s innumerable contributions to the world of sports, architecture, and agriculture, the Museum will build an Illinois-centric pavilion,” Bolinski said in a statement to the Deseret News. “The pavilion prominently features an ‘Illinois Voices 250′ hologram, pre-loaded with greetings and stories from over 50 residents from across the state.”
State funds were not used to pay for the museum’s registration, exhibit design, giveaways or travel.
Details surrounding the representation of other states are still being finalized, Reisner said.
At least 3 states remain uncommitted to attending
Maryland, Washington and Pennsylvania have yet to formally commit to attending the event. Representatives from these states did not respond to request for comment.
The 16-day event, set to begin June 25, is just two weeks away.
What is the Great American State Fair?
The Great American State Fair is “a world-class exposition” celebrating “the very best of America,” as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, according to the Freedom 250 website.
It will feature family-friendly attractions, musical performances, flyovers, movie screenings, state pavilions and even a Ferris wheel on the National Mall as part of a “once-in-a-generation” celebration.
Several attending states have shared elaborate plans for their interactive booths, NOTUS reports.
Indiana: Mini golf.
South Dakota: Virtual-reality pheasant hunting.
New York: A sculpture featuring the “I LOVE NY” logo.
South Carolina: Cornhole, a putting green and postcards.
Nevada: The iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.
Utah: UServeUtah told the Deseret News that it will be supporting the Utah booth at the Great American State Fair.
Wyoming: An “immersive Western experience” complete with Western attire.
State participation is not the first obstacle the Great American State Fair has faced
The declined invitations by several states is not the first road bump to hit this national celebration.
Multiple artists who were scheduled to perform at the fair withdrew their agreement to perform, saying they believed the nonpartisan event was too political.
After several performers, including Morris Day, Milli Vanilli, Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, The Commodores and Young MC, said they would not perform, President Donald Trump said the celebration would instead feature Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio and The U.S. Army band.
The fair is scheduled to run from June 25 to July 10 in the National Mall in Washington, D.C.