WASHINGTON, D.C. — State pavilions remain one of the Great American State Fair’s biggest attractions this week on the National Mall in Washington.
Some states, however, opted not to participate in the fair. Pennsylvania was one of those states until a last-minute effort by its U.S. senators.
Freedom 250 is a public-private partnership established by the Trump administration and has essentially taken charge of events on the National Mall this week to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. It’s viewed by critics as a more partisan, Trump-aligned theme to celebrate the 250th.
America250 is the nonprofit supporting the congressionally created U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
Many musicians, artists and even some blue-state governors opted not to participate in any of the Freedom 250-aligned events, which include the Great American State Fair.
Up until just a few days ago, Pennsylvania was one of those states that was not set to participate.
“Saturday morning, I woke up, I was reading the news and it said that we weren’t going to have a pavilion,” said Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa. “That made no sense to me. I understand the governor not wanting to spend taxpayer dollars, but we’ve got to be represented.”
Sen. McCormick called Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., and several organizations to make a last-ditch effort and ensure Pennsylvania was represented at the fair.
“I started to make some phone calls,” said McCormick. “Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, Chamber of Commerce, PennAg, Farm Bureau, Small Business Institute. All of them said, ‘Absolutely. We want to be part of this.’ We have 55 sponsors.”
McCormick noted that Pennsylvania is where America was born. The state’s 250-year history is filled with significant events from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and Gettysburg to Erie.
“It’s where the Gettysburg battle that ended the Civil War was fought. It’s where the arsenal of democracy came from. So Pennsylvania is America’s history,” said McCormick. “Erie’s been critical to Pennsylvania’s history and America’s history. Erie represents the spirit of Pennsylvania. I want to celebrate with Erie, to celebrate Pennsylvania and celebrate America.”
McCormick also said a historic flag collection on display was lent by a collector from Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.
“Political parties come and go, presidents, senators come and go. But America’s history has been remarkable,” said McCormick. “We need to come together to celebrate the greatness of America. America is imperfect. We’re on an imperfect journey. There’s lots of work to do, but there’s no doubt it is the greatest country in the history of mankind.”
After a midday shutdown caused by dangerous heat, the fair reopened on the National Mall around 5 p.m.
The heat, however, did not stop military parachute teams, helicopters and some of the country’s most advanced aircraft from incredible displays over the National Mall earlier in the day. The displays included the F-22 Raptor, F-35 fighter jets, the MV-22 Osprey, the Air Force Thunderbirds and a tri-bomber formation.
Saturday’s theme shifts to an Independence Day celebration, with flyovers scheduled from 1 p.m. through 10:30 p.m. To accommodate the events, Reagan National Airport will suspend flight operations from noon until midnight.
