The Great American State Fair kicked off on Thursday morning, bringing together residents from across the country to celebrate the country's 250th birthday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Event organizers, led by Freedom 250, have been planning the 16-day festival for months as part of a landmark initiative including all 50 states to mark the semiquincentennial.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see exhibitions featuring each state, stop by a rodeo, ride a towering Ferris wheel, and sample food vendors, all free of charge.
According to CEO Keith Krach, the fair will showcase the "best of American food, music, and ingenuity" and is an opportunity for Americans to come together and celebrate the country they love.
President Donald Trump launched the fair with opening remarks on the evening of June 24, accompanied by military flyovers and performances by the "President's Own" United States Marine Band and country music star Lee Greenwood.
Notable attendees included House Speaker Mike Johnson, acting attorney general Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel.
Trump emphasized the significance of the fair, stating that it marks a return to American greatness and a commitment to putting America first.
Throughout the remainder of June and into July, the fair will feature a variety of attractions, including a refurbished Smithsonian carousel, a 110-foot Ferris wheel, movie screenings, and musical performances.
The fair will also include themed days, such as Make America Healthy Again on Mondays, and exhibits from innovative companies and government agencies, ranging from NASA to YouTube and Meta.
A daily rodeo will be held on the D.C. fairgrounds, offering an educational twist on the experience and highlighting the evolution of the American cowboy.
Rodeo chief Binion Cervi emphasized the importance of determination, grit, work ethic, and integrity in American culture and encouraged attendees to appreciate the values that have shaped the country.
