The White House is billing the big celebration to honour the United States on her 250th birthday, the “Great American State Fair”; but like the musical acts that were scheduled to be a part of the celebration, some states are pulling out and saying “no thanks”.
Part of the celebration features pavilions representing every state in the union and its territories.
With the “Fair” set to open in just a few weeks, not all of the states will be represented. Officials told CNN; that Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Illinois, and North Carolina have withdrawn. Pennsylvania has yet to announce their decision.
Many of the states cited financial issues as their reason for pulling out; but a spokesperson Luke Harkin for Oregon Governor Tina Kotek cited, “the State of Oregon will not be participating in the Great American State Fair due to both the cost of participating in the Fair and growing concerns that the event in Washington D.C. is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented.”
While Freedom 250 is building the pavilions; they are expecting the states to fund what goes into those pavilions.
According to a spokesperson for Freedom 250, all 50 states will be “actively finalized”; despite the states no providing any information or input.
The un-named spokesperson said, “what we can say is that every state’s story will be told in a way that’s authentic to its people, history, and culture. Whether represented by a governor’s office, a tourism board, or a beloved state company or organization, every community will be celebrated.”
Earlier this month, the White House released a list of musical artists that would be performing at the “Fair”; but within a day or two all but one of them had withdrawn, citing partisan concerns or saying they were never told about the political issues tied to the shows.
The musical performances have been replaced by a rally that will include the current administration, singer Lee Greenwood, opera star Christopher Macchio, and several military bands and choirs.
The “Great American State Fair” is scheduled to run from June 25 to July 10 on the grounds of the National Mall.
While 21 pavilions have been proposed, there are only two weeks before the “Fair” is scheduled to open. Freedom 250 organizers say that 110-foot Ferris wheel, military fly-overs, movie screenings, and musical performances will also be a part of the two-week extravaganza.
Citing the participation of past presidents in American Founder’s events, Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner said, “we proudly welcome President Trump, who has shown genuine enthusiasm for celebrating America and its patriotic traditions, just as we would have welcomed any sitting president.”