politics
White House plans ticketed front section for July Fourth address on National Mall
The White House will ticket the viewing area directly in front of the stage for President Trump's July Fourth address. Organizers also face heat, security limits, and modest turnout at the ongoing Great American State Fair.
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The tickets are free, though officials said many ticket holders may not attend. The address is scheduled to include an afternoon air show and a fireworks display that organizers hope will set a new Guinness World Record. Forecast highs of 100 degrees and a ban on coolers are expected to affect attendance.
State fair draws mixed crowds The Great American State Fair has occupied a two-mile stretch of downtown Washington since last week. Some state pavilions, including Arizona and Texas, have drawn lines, while others remain sparsely decorated after several states declined to participate due to funding limits.
Over the weekend, a Confederate flag image was removed from the North Carolina pavilion after Democratic Gov. Josh Stein condemned it. A man was arrested on the fair's first full day after witnesses reported him vaping and filming female performers.
A Friday evening concert by Vanilla Ice was canceled due to storms and will not be rescheduled. A spokeswoman for Freedom 250, the event organizer, stated that more than 150,000 people have attended so far.
Security and logistics Attendees cannot bring food or water bottles into the fair area, which has limited shade and seating. Water sells for $5, and Phorm energy drinks are available. Strict security measures have been cited as a factor limiting turnout.
President Trump is scheduled to attend the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota on Wednesday and a fireworks show at Mount Rushmore on Friday before returning for the July Fourth address.
