Trump's 250Th Celebration Lacks Pennsylvania's Participation

WHO:

Alternet - President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the Great American State Fair.

Inquirer.com - Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's office was involved in efforts to find a company to represent Pennsylvania at the fair.

Inquirer.com - Freedom 250 is the nonprofit organization behind the Great American State Fair.

Inquirer.com - Media Matters' Matt Gertz criticized the event's partisan nature.

WHAT:

Alternet - The Great American State Fair is being held to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary.

Inquirer.com - Pennsylvania is not participating in the Great American State Fair due to a lack of companies willing to represent the state.

Inquirer.com - The fair is scheduled to run for 16 days.

Inquirer.com - The Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development stated that the state will not participate due to high costs and inability to secure sponsorship.

Inquirer.com - Other states, including New Jersey and Maryland, showcased their attractions at the fair.

WHERE:

Alternet - The Great American State Fair is taking place at the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Inquirer.com - Pennsylvania's intended booth location was indicated on an interactive map but was not represented at the fair.

WHEN:

Alternet - The Great American State Fair kicked off on June 24 and continues through July 10.

Inquirer.com - The fair is part of the 250th anniversary celebrations.

WHY:

Inquirer.com - Pennsylvania's lack of participation is attributed to the high cost to taxpayers and the inability to secure local businesses for sponsorship.

Inquirer.com - Governor Shapiro indicated that the politicization of the event has deterred businesses from participating.

HOW:

Inquirer.com - Pennsylvania's state government attempted to connect Freedom 250 with organizations to represent the state but ultimately could not secure participation.

Inquirer.com - Other states participated by sending government staff and tourism boards to host exhibits.

(UPDATED June 26, 2026 15:49 UTC)

President Trump delivered a speech at the Great American State Fair, which is being held at the National Mall in Washington, DC, to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary. While other states like New Jersey and Maryland are showcasing their attractions, Pennsylvania is not participating due to high costs and difficulties in securing local sponsorship, despite efforts from Governor Josh Shapiro's office to find a representative. The fair kicked off on June 24 and will continue through July 10, but critics have pointed out its partisan nature as a factor that has deterred businesses from getting involved.