Massachusetts Declines to Join Trump's Great American State Fair

Massachusetts will not send a delegation to the Great American State Fair on the National Mall from June 25 through July 10, Governor Maura Healey’s office confirmed to the Herald. The decision aligns the state with several other Democratic-led states opting out of the 16-day festival marking the country’s 250th anniversary.

Why is Massachusetts skipping the Great American State Fair?

Governor Maura Healey’s office told the Herald that the state is prioritizing local initiatives this summer. These include MA250 events, Sail Boston, expanded July 4th celebrations, and World Cup activities.

During a WGBH appearance last week, Healey criticized the event’s structure. She called the requirement for states to pay for their own exhibits “ridiculous,” stating, “this guy tries to get money into his pocket any which way” and noting “this is taxpayer money.”

Did You Know? The Great American State Fair is scheduled to feature cultural programming, state exhibits, musical performances, and a Ferris wheel on the National Mall.

Which other states are declining to participate?

Massachusetts joins Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Oregon, and North Carolina in turning down the event. According to the source, some states cited participation costs of at least $100,000.

Other states expressed concerns that the festival has become too partisan.

How is the Freedom 250 initiative organized and funded?

The fair is part of the Freedom 250 initiative, which President Trump established by executive order. It operates as a public-private partnership separate from the congressional “America 250” commission.

National reports indicate the Trump administration directed at least $68 million to Freedom 250. During the same period, tens of millions of dollars were withheld from America 250.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the divide between the executive-led Freedom 250 and the congressional America 250 commission creates a fragmented approach to the national anniversary, potentially deepening the partisan split in how the U.S. commemorates its 250th year.

Who is performing at the festival?

Several top acts originally tapped for the concert lineup have withdrawn, including The Commodores, Morris Day, Young MC, Bret Michaels, and Martina McBride.

The president subsequently announced an opening rally. This event will feature military bands, Christopher Macchio, and Lee Greenwood.

What may happen next?

The continued withdrawal of state delegations could potentially reduce the diversity of state exhibits on the National Mall. Additional musical acts may follow previous performers in withdrawing from the lineup.

Full interview: One-on-one with Gov. Maura Healey

Disputes over the use of taxpayer money for public-private partnerships like Freedom 250 may lead to further legal or political challenges from participating or non-participating states.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Great American State Fair?
It is a 16-day festival taking place on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10 to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Why did Governor Healey oppose the event?
Healey described the event as “ridiculous” because states are being charged to participate using taxpayer money.

How does Freedom 250 differ from America 250?
Freedom 250 was created by executive order as a public-private partnership, while America 250 is a congressional commission.

Do you believe state governments should fund participation in national anniversary celebrations?

Massachusetts Declines to Join Trump’s Great American State Fair