Pennsylvania will be at the ‘Great American State Fair’ after all

By Lauren Jessop
The Center Square

Pennsylvania was one of a handful of Democratic-led states that opted out of the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., citing partisan politics and cost – but it will have a presence after all.

In the latest example of their bipartisan working relationship, U.S. Sens. John Fetterman, a Democrat, and Dave McCormick, a Republican, announced Friday that they are partnering to showcase the commonwealth with no taxpayer funding.

Weeks ago, the Shapiro administration referred The Center Square to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development when asked whether they planned to participate in the event. But in a recent interview with The New Republic, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Pennsylvania’s decision not to join the “so-called Great American State Fair” was due to President Trump’s involvement and businesses declining to sponsor the booth.

“Pennsylvania is where America’s story began, and there was no way we were going to let the Commonwealth go unrepresented during our Nation’s 250th birthday celebration,” McCormick said in a press release. “As the birthplace of American independence, home to the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, and the engine for the arsenal of democracy, Pennsylvania has a special responsibility to preserve, celebrate, and share that enduring legacy.”

The senators’ partner organizations include the PA Chamber, PennAg, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, NFIB, the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, and the Manufacturer & Business Association.

“Celebrating America’s 250th birthday and Pennsylvania’s special role in our country is important and bipartisan,” said Fetterman. “We discovered our Commonwealth wasn’t participating in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall and we should be.”

Fetterman said the Pennsylvania booth will highlight the state’s agriculture, businesses, and what makes it a “truly awesome and historic place.”

Trump kicked off the event Wednesday evening during a patriotic opening ceremony on the National Mall, where military flyovers, musical performances, and ceremonial tributes helped launch the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The official website describes the event as a “world-class exposition and modern-day World’s Fair celebrating the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth.” It boasts more than 150 exhibits from all 56 states and territories, businesses, innovators, and civic organizations, “that will showcase the very best of America through state pavilions, industry displays, family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, daily cultural programming, and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall.”

“The Great American State Fair is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring the entire nation together in celebration of 250 extraordinary years,” said Freedom 250 CEO Keith Krach. From the National Mall, he said, the event will showcase the ingenuity and boundless promise that have always defined America – and cast a bold vision for the next 250 years. “We are proud to have all 50 states and 6 territories represented and stand alongside remarkable partners for this historic celebration.”

The fair is scheduled to take place on the National Mall between 14th Street and 4th Street from June 25 to July 10 with a variety of daily programming themes.