Inside the Great American State Fair kickoff venue
A look inside the Great American State Fair kickoff as attendees attended the Trump rally in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON – The Great American State Fair opened on the National Mall on Wednesday, June 24, with military flyovers, patriotic performances and a speech from President Donald Trump, but most of the star-studded lineup originally promised was absent.
The 16-day event, part of America’s 500th anniversary celebrations and sponsored by Freedom 250, was originally billed as a major music festival. However, by opening night, most of the headline acts had dropped out, leaving a scaled-down program that relied heavily on political messages and patriotic rhetoric.
The fair was initially promoted with a lineup that included Martina McBride, C+C Music Factory, Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, Young MC, The Commodores, Morris Day and the Time, Flo Rida, and Bret Michaels. By kickoff, almost everyone had dropped out, leaving Vanilla Ice and Flo Rida as the remaining performers.
Instead, opening night featured country singer Lee Greenwood performing “God Bless the USA,” opera singer Christopher Macchio, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Corps Band, and “Pershing’s Own” United States Army Band. Alexis Wilkins, girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, sang the national anthem.
Here are some highlights from the kickoff.
president trump’s speech
President Trump took to the stage around 8:30 p.m. ET to welcome attendees and speak about major issues facing the country as well as some of his construction projects in the nation’s capital.
He argued that gas prices could fall to $2.50 a gallon as peace talks with Iranian officials continue and the Iran war winds down.. But he also hinted at the possibility of further action in the region..
“I think we have something else in store,” Trump said. “But we don’t want to be swept away.”
He also said without evidence that ongoing problems at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool are being caused by “vandals.” Construction work at the site is battling algae blooms and peeling paint. President Trump said the landmark will soon be “as beautiful as it was two weeks ago.”
People gathered from all over the country
Participants gathered near the Washington Monument, some traveling from all over the country to take part in the event.
Lissa and Rex Kelley of Phoenix told USA TODAY they are planning a trip to Washington before and after the fair. Leslie Shimek, of Windsor, New York, said the rally was a “beautiful thing” where people came together to celebrate America’s history.
military flyover
The event included multiple military overflights featuring aircraft such as the F-16 Viper demo team, B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, and F-35A Lightning II.
Additional flights are scheduled for Thursday, June 25, including a B-52 Stratofortress, F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35C Lightning II, Freedom 250 said.
No alcohol allowed at kick-off
Alcohol was not initially sold, but will be available during the festival, which runs from Thursday, June 25th to July 10th. Michelob Ultra, Kona Big Wave, Bud Light, Budweiser and other beers could be seen behind the concession stand counter.
“Alcohol and beverage availability varies by Freedom 250 event and venue,” Freedom 250 said in a statement, but did not explain why alcohol was not available during kickoff.
USA TODAY reached out to the Washington State Department of Liquor and Cannabis to confirm when the liquor license will take effect.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.
