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Massachusetts is not participating in the Great American State Fair, a 16‑day festival on the National Mall marking the country’s 250th anniversary that Gov. Maura Healey has ridiculed.
Healey’s office has confirmed with the Herald that it has declined to send a delegation to Washington to partake in President Trump’s multi-week patriotic exposition, joining other Democratic states.
The Great American State Fair is set to take place on the National Mall from June 25 through July 10, featuring state exhibits, musical performances, cultural programming, and even a Ferris wheel.
“With MA250 events, Sail Boston, expanded July 4th celebrations, World Cup activities, and other major initiatives taking place across the state this summer,” Healey’s office told the Herald on Thursday, “our priority is making sure residents and visitors experience the history, culture, and community that make Massachusetts the birthplace of the American Revolution.”
Massachusetts joins Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Oregon, and North Carolina in turning down the events. Some states have said participation would cost at least $100,000, while others are concerned that the festival has become too partisan.
The Great American State Fair is part of Trump’s Freedom 250 initiative, which the president created by executive order to operate as a public-private partnership separate from the congressional “America 250” commission.
Trump’s administration has directed at least $68 million to Freedom 250 while withholding tens of millions from America 250, according to national reports.
Top acts that Trump had tapped for the fair’s concert lineup have also withdrawn from performing – Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day, and The Commodores. Afterward, the president announced an opening rally featuring Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio and military bands.
“Great American Fair,” Healey said during her appearance on WGBH last week, “this guy tries to get money into his pocket any which way. He invited all the states to participate and wants to charge us to go down and put something on his exhibit, whatever he’s creating for Freedom 250, it’s just ridiculous. This is taxpayer money.”
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