State Fair on National Mall Draws Small Crowds and Faces Power Issues

The Great American State Fair began its 16-day run Thursday on the National Mall. The event, organized by Freedom 250, features exhibits from all 50 states and is scheduled to continue through July 10. Crowds on opening day were smaller than those at past National Mall events, according to multiple outlets.

Power outages affected several attractions, including melted ice cream, a temporary shutdown of the 110-foot Ferris wheel, and air-conditioning problems at the West Virginia booth. m. EDT.

Six states—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, and Pennsylvania—opted not to send official representatives, citing budget or scheduling constraints. North Carolina's privately sponsored exhibit displayed an unapproved image of the Confederate flag on Friday, prompting a statement from the governor's office demanding that organizers stop using the state flag.

Maine's booth remained unmanned, showing only chairs and walls with lobster images and state facts.

The fair includes rodeo and music performances, movie screenings, and food vendors. Several musical acts withdrew before opening, citing concerns the event had become partisan. One attendee told the Associated Press there were "nice people, nice events, nice family events," but added that a replica of a proposed triumphal arch gave the fair a political tone.

The president spoke at the opening and stated the live audience numbered 45,000, though multiple outlets reported lower estimates.