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Great American State Fair opens on the National Mall amid walkouts

cultureJun 26, 2026997,897

The Great American State Fair opened on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., but its launch was marred when multiple states pulled exhibits and some attendees left during former president Donald Trump’s kickoff speech. Ohio still participated, bringing Dum Dums, tote bags and its governor to the fair. Reporters on site described logistical failures: a power outage in the food hall that melted ice cream and left vendors unable to serve some items, a Ferris wheel breakdown, and other operational problems. Several performers and attractions canceled or were reported to have withdrawn, and at least one public indecency arrest was reported during opening-day activity. The combination of pulled state exhibits, technical problems, and crowd departures has undercut the event’s opening and raised immediate questions about its viability for the America 250 celebration on the Mall this week.

Wolfgang Baur
@wolfgangbaur.bsky.social

Weep with me, for Vanilla Ice has cancelled his Freedom 250 concert at America’s State Fair. www.themirror.com/entertainmen...

108044d ago
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