See how your state is handling Trump's Great American State Fair
Melina KhanWhile officials in some states have decided against allocating resources to Freedom 250's Great American State Fair, a slew of others are planning elaborate exhibits for the the festival tied to the nation's 250th birthday.
The Great American State Fair is a 16-day event taking place from June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall under Freedom 250, a group organized by President Donald Trump to mark America's 250th anniversary.
In addition to pavilions representing all 50 U.S. states and six territories, the fair will feature myriad attractions, performances and other exhibits, according to Freedom 250.
But in recent weeks, the Great American State Fair has faced some setbacks. Late last month, a number of musicians backed out of the event's planned concert series, with several citing the event's perceived political affiliation. As a result, Trump replaced the concerts with a rally on June 24 with himself as the headliner.
Some state officials have now said they won't be allocating funding to organize their state's pavilion at the fair. At least one state – Illinois – is not providing funding but will have representatives from a local museum running their pavilion.
Regardless, all states will be represented, Rachel Reisner, a spokesperson for Freedom 250, told USA TODAY.
"Freedom 250 is a nonpartisan organization, full stop — and our track record of collaboration across red, blue, and purple states speaks for itself," Reisner said.
USA TODAY reached out to representatives in all 50 states. States not listed below have not yet responded to our requests. Here's what to know about states' participation.
States not providing funding to be at Great American State Fair
Officials in the following states confirmed to USA TODAY that they will not be providing state funding to participate in the event:
Connecticut
Cathryn Vaulman, director of communications for Gov. Ned Lamont, said in a statement that the decision "came down to resources."
Hawaii
The office of Gov. Josh Green said in a statement: "The Hawaiʻi250 Commission oversees Hawaiʻi's participation in American 250 initiatives including the Great American Fair; The Hawaiʻi250 Commission is focused on local activities within the state.”
Peter Young, chair of the Hawai‘i America250 Commission, confirmed that it is not operating a pavilion at the event, and no funds were allocated for it. The group is instead focusing on local initiatives, Young said.
Illinois
The state is not providing funding for the event, but representatives from the Peoria Riverfront Museum will be running the state's booth, said Jayette Bolinski, director of communications for Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Massachusetts
While officials from Massachusetts have not commented on the reason for not participating, Gov. Maura Healey said in a June 2 interview on GBH News that Trump's administration "wants to charge us" for the event.
North Carolina
Michele Walker, assistant communications director for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, said in a statement that the state is not attending "due to the expenditures required to participate."
Oregon
In statements to The New York Times and CNN, Luke Harkin, a spokesperson for Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, cited both cost and concerns that the event is "a more partisan affair than originally presented." USA TODAY has reached out to Kotek's office.
Washington
Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, chair of Washington State’s Semiquincentennial Committee, said in a statement: “Our state is facing a very difficult fiscal situation, and with that in mind, given the significant costs associated with participating in the Great American State Fair, we chose to focus on supporting local efforts here in Washington state for this very important commemoration.”
These states are organizing booths at Great American State Fair. See plans
As for which states will be sending delegations, officials in at least 15 states confirmed plans for their participation to USA TODAY. Here's what we know about their exhibits:
Arizona
The state's pavilion will be titled "Arizona Illuminated," said Josh Coddington, a spokesperson for the Arizona Tourism Department.
It will have "creative lighting, sound, scent and digital design elements to immerse visitors in Arizona's diverse natural environments, such as the world-famous Antelope Canyon and our clear, star-studded dark skies," Coddington said.
Arkansas
Arkansas' exhibit is called "Experience The Natural State," April Kiser, a spokesperson for the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said in a statement.
"This exhibit showcases Arkansas’ trailblazing people, industries and experiences that have helped shape 250 years of American progress and innovation," Kiser said. "Visitors will discover how the pioneering spirit of The Natural State continues to influence culture, industry, creativity and outdoor adventure across America."
California
Angie Pappas, a spokesperson for Visit California, confirmed the state's participation. USA TODAY has reached out for more information.
Colorado
Ally Sullivan, a spokesperson for Gov. Jared Polis, said in a statement that the state will have "an engaging interactive experience giving visitors a taste of Colorado’s outdoors."
Florida
Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd confirmed the state's involvement in a statement.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our nation to come together and celebrate the 250th birthday of the greatest country on earth," Byrd said. "We will have more details to share as we get closer to the Fair."
Illinois
The Peoria Riverfront Museum volunteered to represent Illinois at the Great American State Fair. State funds were not used to pay for the museum's travel or exhibit, Jayette Bolinski, director of communications for Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said in a statement.
The Illinois-centric pavilion will highlight the state's "contributions to the world of sports, architecture, and agriculture" and include a hologram pre-loaded with stories from state residents, Bolinski said.
Michigan
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed it is participating in the fair. USA TODAY has reached out for more information.
Mississippi
Mississippi's America250 commission will be running the state's pavilion, Shelby Wilcher, press secretary for Gov. Tate Reeves, confirmed in a statement.
"Visitors will be able to enjoy interactive elements designed to engage audiences of all ages. A large video screen will continuously play a feature presentation, and the pavilion will feature themed displays highlighting Mississippi's history, notable figures, and contributions to the nation," Wilcher said.
Nevada
The Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs confirmed it is participating in the event. USA TODAY has reached out for more information.
New York
I Love NY, New York State's tourism campaign, will run the state's pavilion, which will showcase the state's vacation regions. The exhibit will also have a sculpture of the I Love NY logo and opportunities to win prizes, Empire State Development confirmed to USA TODAY.
North Dakota
The state will have a display highlighting North Dakota’s "culture, wildlife, agriculture, landscapes and premium travel experiences through compelling imagery and interactive elements," Kim Schmidt, a spokesperson for North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division, said in a statement.
"Planning is ongoing and more details about exhibit components, partners and programming will be shared as they are finalized," the statement said.
Ohio
Dan Tierney, a spokesperson for Gov. Mike DeWine, confirmed the state will be participating. USA TODAY has reached out for more information.
South Carolina
The state's exhibit will showcase South Carolina’s "unique products, culture, and renowned Southern hospitality," said Sam Queen, director of internal communications for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
It will include interactive attractions like a putting green, cornhole and South Carolina-themed postcards that visitors can personalize and send to friends and family, Queen said.
The exhibit is a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, the South Carolina Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commission, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.
Tennessee
Elizabeth Johnson, a spokesperson for Gov. Bill Lee, confirmed that the state will operate a booth at the event.
“Guests to Tennessee’s America 250 Pavilion will experience the sounds of our rich musical heritage, from the birthplace of country music in Bristol to the soul of Memphis, the legacy of our agricultural communities, and the entrepreneurial spirit behind iconic Tennessee brands like Moon Pie and Jack Daniels," Johnson said.
Texas
The Texas Economic Development and Tourism office is planning the state's exhibit, Andrew Mahaleris, press secretary for Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed.
"While details on Texas’ pavilion and exhibits are still being finalized, visitors can expect a dynamic showcase highlighting why Texas is both a premier travel destination and a national leader in opportunity, innovation, and freedom," Mahaleris said in a statement.
"Texas is proud to showcase what makes our state exceptional, world-class industries, rich culture, booming economy, unmatched energy production, agricultural strength, and the unbreakable spirit of the Lone Star State," the statement added.
West Virginia
Lars Dalseide, a spokesperson for the governor's office, confirmed the state's participation. USA TODAY has reached out for more information.
Wyoming
Amy Edmonds, a spokesperson for the governor's office, said that Wyoming's pavilion will feature "agriculture education, Western lifestyle demonstrations, virtual reality experiences, storytelling, and hands-on activations that reflect the people, places, and values that define Wyoming."
"Our pavilion is a celebration of the history, grit, and authenticity that define Wyoming. It is an opportunity to share not only where we come from, but our way of life, and we invite the world to come experience the Wyoming way," said Courtny Hinds, general manager of the Wyoming State Fair and Wyoming’s state pavilion lead.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.