Inside the Great American State Fair celebrating its 250th anniversary
Visitors celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the Great American State Fair, which features concerts, games, and exhibits from all 50 states.
- Although Pennsylvania initially withdrew, it will now be represented at the Great American State Fair.
- U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and David McCormick have formed a coalition of private organizations representing the state.
- Gov. Josh Shapiro previously withdrew from the event, citing a lack of business interest due to the politicization of the event.
Just two days after Pennsylvania withdrew from the Great American State Fair, Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and David McCormick (R-Pa.) announced that a coalition will represent the Keystone State at the Great American State Fair.
The fair, which will be held in Washington, D.C. from June 25 to July 10, is part of a larger effort to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. The event is sponsored by Freedom 250, a nonprofit organization created as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to commemorate the county’s 500th anniversary and is working closely with the White House’s America 250 Task Force.
In a press release from McCormick’s office, both senators emphasized the importance of Pennsylvania’s participation in the fair.
Why is Pennsylvania joining the Great American State Fair after withdrawing?
Just days ago, on June 25, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro told The New Republic that Pennsylvania would not participate in the Great American State Fair due to lack of interest from businesses.
“Nobody was interested,” Shapiro said. “This reflects this sad situation that we’re in, where the president has politicized this issue to a degree that companies don’t want to be a part of.”
Two days after the announcement, Fetterman and McCormick said they had formed an association to represent Pennsylvania at the expo, an effort “made possible entirely through private partnerships” without the use of taxpayer dollars, according to a release from McCormick’s office.
“Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and Pennsylvania’s special role in our nation is important and bipartisan,” Fetterman said. “We know that our commonwealth is not participating in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, and we should be. We are currently working with Pennsylvania’s booth to highlight the Commonwealth’s agricultural advantages, our businesses, and what makes Pennsylvania truly a great and historic place.”
McCormick added that representing Pennsylvania is essential because of the state’s role in America’s founding.
“Pennsylvania is where American history began, and we cannot afford to leave the Commonwealth unrepresented in our 250th anniversary celebrations,” McCormick said. “As the birthplace of American independence and home to the sacred land of Gettysburg and the weapons of democracy, Pennsylvania has a special responsibility to preserve, celebrate, and share its enduring heritage.”
Who will represent Pennsylvania at the Great American State Fair?
To ensure Pennsylvania representation at the Great American State Fair, McCormick and Fetterman worked with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, the PennAg Industries Association, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association and the Manufacturing Association.
This coalition of organizations will represent Pennsylvania at the fair.
“Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is pleased to have Pennsylvania agriculture on display as part of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall,” said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman. “This is a great opportunity to showcase Pennsylvania’s top industries on a national level, along with other states working together to provide the food, fuel and fiber that sustains our nation.”
Finch Walker is a Pittsburgh Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Please contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
