WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump opened the “Great American State Fair” on Wednesday night in Washington, marking the beginning of the 16-day celebration of the nation’s 250th year.
“Ten days from now, our country will celebrate one of the most monumental milestones in human history,” Trump said while kicking off the fair.
“There has never been anything like the United States of America, and together we are making it bigger, better, and far more exceptional than ever before.”
The president delivered remarks beginning shortly after 8:30 p.m. ET in a rally-style event on the National Mall, with the sun setting and the Washington Monument looming overhead.
Thousands of spectators filled the specially designed venue, with tight security and multiple federal agencies ensuring security at the festivities.
Attendees were treated to live music by the “President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, the Joint Armed Forces Chorus, and the U.S. Army Band.
Two of Trump’s favorite musicians took the stage shortly before he spoke. Opera star Christopher Macchio performed several patriotic renditions, and Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the U.S.A.”
The event was themed with military pageantry, including flybys of F-16 Vipers and a B-2 stealth bomber roaring overhead.
Several administration officials spoke, including, among others, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
On June 4, Trump announced on Truth Social that he would hold what he described as “the Greatest Rally, EVER” in Washington to mark America’s 250th birthday.
He said the event would feature speeches, patriotic music, military bands, and performances by country music singer Lee Greenwood and classical crossover artist Christopher Macchio.
The fair will be the first national exposition of its kind, inspired by the World’s Fairs. It runs from June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall, celebrating America’s rich history.
“The Great American State Fair is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring the entire nation together in celebration of 250 extraordinary years,” Keith Krach, CEO of Freedom 250, the nonprofit organizing the fair, said in a statement. “From the National Mall, Freedom 250 will showcase the ingenuity and boundless promise that have always defined America—and cast a bold vision for the next 250 years.”
Exhibitors will display American leadership in many sectors, including aerospace, artificial intelligence, robotics, transportation, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and space exploration.
States, organizations, and companies such as Harley-Davidson, John Deere, SpaceX, and Meta will take part in the exhibition.
The fair is open to the public, and admission is free. The organizer, however, recommends that visitors register in advance.
The event faced major setbacks earlier when several artists originally scheduled to perform withdrew, citing what they said were concerns about its political ties.
In response, Trump said the rally would not rely on celebrity entertainers. Instead, it will focus on supporters, speakers, and traditional patriotic music, calling the event “A Rally to end all Rallies.”
“We don’t want singers with no talent, but big fees to put you to sleep, we’ve told them all to stay home,” Trump said in his June 4 post. “All we want is you, me, a few speakers, and the Greatest Music ever played, the same Music you have listened to for years!”
Freedom 250 said each state has been allotted about 600 square feet to build an exhibit.
A spokesperson for Freedom 250 said there was no required fee to take part, that all 50 governors were invited, and all 50 states and six U.S. territories will be represented and have booths, with many governments routing their participation through partners such as tourism boards, cultural foundations, and companies.
“Every community will be celebrated,” the spokesperson told The Epoch Times, and “every American will see themselves” at the event.
