A Mock Arch and Daily Rodeos: Trump’s Fair Takes Over the Mall

A small but enthusiastic crowd adorned in MAGA gear and American flags camped out near the National Mall early Wednesday morning, chatting and waving flags in anticipation of the Great American State Fair, which kicked off last night with remarks from President Donald Trump.

Two monuments loom over the blocked-off Mall area’s eastern end: a Freedom 250 Ferris wheel and a towering replica of Trump’s proposed Memorial Circle arch — fake gold statues and all.

From June 25 to July 10, visitors can attend more than 150 exhibits and activities, including free movie screenings, musical performances, military flyovers and a daily rodeo. The fair will also host several themed days like MAHA Mondays, with programming dedicated to “the food-as-medicine movement.”

While some state governments aren’t sending a delegation, each state and six territories will still have representation — Illinois’ booth will be hosted by a state museum, for example.

A scale replica of President Trump’s 250-foot-tall “Triumphal Arch” is on display as part of the Great American State Fair. Torrie Herrington/NOTUS

Many states’ pavilions will highlight their natural landscapes, from Idaho’s river raft exhibit to Colorado’s coniferous trees flown in from the state’s forests. Minnesota’s booth will feature a loon pond, where participants can pick up a miniature version of the state bird for a prize, while Indiana will set up a miniature golf course with holes based on the Hoosier state’s heritage.

The fair was supposed to start with a star-studded music lineup, including Vanilla Ice and Young MC, though several acts dropped out immediately after the announcement due to what they called the partisan nature of Freedom 250. Now, the fair will kick off with a rally that includes a performance by Kash Patel’s girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins.

Rachel Reisner, a spokesperson for Freedom 250, reiterated the organization’s nonpartisan status in a statement to NOTUS when asked about the musical dropouts.

“Freedom 250 is focused on our signature celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans — welcoming all who share our goal of commemorating this milestone in a way that uplifts and unites America,” she said.