Thursday, July 2, 2026
By Callie Solomon
As cheers from the FIFA Fan Zone carried across the National Mall in near-100-degree heat, Great American State Fair visitors moved among different state booths, danced to lively music and rode a 110-foot Ferris wheel overlooking Washington.
The Great American State Fair is hosted by Freedom 250, a public-private organization created by the White House to organize events celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The fair has garnered controversy, including the display of Confederate flag images at the privately-funded North Carolina booth and the withdrawal of concert headliners.
Despite the controversy and political tension surrounding the event, visitors and event workers said the fair has created opportunities for learning, connection and celebration.
Saying she had seen negative comments about the fair on social media, a college student attendee was initially skeptical of the event. However, after attending, she said she enjoyed the fair, especially the Freedom 250 wheel. “I think it’s nice to see people come together to celebrate America,” she said.
The fair runs until July 10, with all 50 U.S. states and six territories represented. Visitors are encouraged to collect stamps in their commemorative passports at each booth, picking up souvenirs while learning more about the states and territories.
“It doesn’t matter what side of the fence you are on,” said Theresa Belpulsi, senior vice president of tourism for Destination DC. “People are just happy to be here to celebrate America’s 250.”
Belpulsi greeted visitors at the D.C. booth, which, she said, featured things unique to the District, such as a cherry blossom tree with paper petals on which visitors could write positive messages. The booth also had a map for visitors to mark their hometown with a pin. “We have a map because we’re really interested to notice that people from all over the world are here,” said Belpulsi.
César Marin, public relations and communications director for the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, said the fair is important to Puerto Rico because it helps educate visitors about its contributions to the U.S. as a whole. Showcased in Puerto Rico’s booth were various products made there, such as Advil and rum.
“The main goal here is to put the message outside that Puerto Rico is essential to the United States,” he said. “We are seeing people getting out of those doors with knowledge of our island.”
Sosthenes Sealy, welcome center manager for the Alabama Tourism Department, said, “It’s important to highlight the differences in America, but also we all have similarities, too.”
He added that many guests appreciate how convenient it is to learn about all the states and territories. “Everybody can’t travel to all these different places,” he said. “This is one of the few places where you can see everything all at once.”
One visitor said, “I love the family. I love the community. I love the educational experience.”
“People are excited,” Sealy said. “It’s a great atmosphere.”
Peniel Ouabo, a worker at the Colorado booth, said the fair demonstrates national pride, solidarity and unity. “To get here — 250 years — we had to work together,” she said. “Events like this and moments like this remind us to come together so that we can survive another 250 years.”