Great American State Fair turns out to be a dud
Ron Filipkowski
The Great American Fair in DC so far has turned out to be, like most Donald Trump productions, somewhat of a disaster. Leading up to the festivities, Trump hyped the 16-day long event as the hottest celebration of America in history. It has turned out so far, like the military parade for his birthday last year, to be a complete dud.
CityCast DC: If Americans are going to flock to the Trump admins Great American State Fair, they certainly werent doing it when the doors opened Thursday. The massive, nostalgic fair has overtaken much of the National Mall, with a presidential rally to kick things off and AF flyovers to punctuate opening day. But within the gates of the fair itself, there were vast stretches of open grass and a high ratio of workers to actual visitors.
For Washingtonians accustomed to big activities on the Mall, the fairs Ferris wheel may be the most notable element. But, up close, the 110-foot wheel actually looks small compared with those at more traditional fairs. It was also still the Mall: Inside the security enclosure, there were few benches and even less shade. Stapled onto the air-conditioned enclosures was a vinyl-like material patterned to look like grand columns.
CityCast reporter Kaela Cote-Stemmermann checked in with an update: The Ferris wheel at the Great American state fair is DOWN. Operator told me due to generator issues and engine overheating. Unclear when it will be moving again, at least 1 - 2 hours they said.
https://www.meidasplus.com/p/today-in-politics-bulletin-406-62626
wcmagumba
(6,993 posts)Yonnie3
(19,633 posts)@Freedom250
⚠️ Due to inclement weather in the area, the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair and FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone will be closed for the rest of the day Friday, June 26, 2026.
The safety of our guests, staff, and partners remains our top priority. We are actively monitoring conditions and will provide updates as they become available.
The Great American State Fair will reopen tomorrow at 10 AM.
5:22 PM · Jun 26, 2026
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Link to tweet
RockRaven
(20,062 posts)those tens of visitors could dwindle down into the ones of visitors.
modrepub
(4,251 posts)outside in DC walking along the mall. I still remember going with my parents to visit the Smithsonian museums in the summer when I was a kid. The asphalt was so hot it felt like it was sagging under your footsteps as you ran to get into the next air-conditioned museum before you roasted alive.
wyn borkins
(1,611 posts)Without cotton-candy (due to lack of electrical power) and melted ice cream (related to power-less freezers) can it really be called a 'State Fair' (?).
Also, when the food vendors pack-up and pull-out you'll know this version of a State Fair is definately over (end date to be determined)...