Donald Trump's 'Great American State Fair' has been marred by sparse crowds and technical issues, falling short of expectations. The 16-day event on the National Mall in Washington DC was intended to celebrate America's 250th anniversary with a patriotic showcase. However, pictures from the fair show rows of empty chairs and a largely deserted festival ground.
The fairground, which features a 110-foot Ferris wheel and a plywood 'Triumph Arch', appears to be underwhelming, with no roller coasters or carnival rides. A performance by musician Jason Hershey was attended by just two people, highlighting the low turnout. Organisers had billed the event as a family-friendly attraction with live entertainment and exhibits.
Despite claims from Trump that the crowd was 'packed to the brim' with 45,000 attendees, pictures and reports suggest a significantly lower turnout. The event was meant to kick off with a concert, but several musicians dropped out due to security concerns and controversy. Trump ultimately became the headliner, delivering a rally alongside bands from the Marine Corps and the Army.
Attendance has not improved since the initial low turnout, with photos showing large areas of the fairground empty. Each state has its own booth, but some, like Maine, did not send a delegation, leaving their area largely vacant. The fair has also experienced power outages, affecting some of the attractions and resulting in melted ice cream.
A cow named Melania, after the President's wife, has generated some buzz at the event. A student showcased the animal, noting that its colours matched the first lady's hair. However, the technical issues and low attendance have overshadowed this highlight. Organisers acknowledged the 'power hiccups' but have not commented on the attendance figures.
