Several Democrat-led states pull out of Trump’s ‘Great American State Fair’ ahead of America 250

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s big plan for a massive celebration of America’s 250th birthday is picking up steam, but not everyone’s on board.

Some states led by Democrats, Oregon, Washington, and North Carolina, have turned down invitations to join one of the main events: the 'Great American State Fair'.

The fair, meant to be a huge patriotic showcase, is set to open on the National Mall later this month as a highlight of the America 250 festivities.

Organizers insist preparations remain on track and say visitors will still experience exhibits showcasing the history, culture, and identity of every state and territory, even as some states opt out.

Democrat-led states opt out of Trump’s Great American State Fair

While officials from the states cited costs as the primary reason for their absence, Oregon also pointed to concerns that the event was becoming increasingly political.

Officials from Oregon, Washington, and North Carolina told CNN they declined an invitation from the Trump administration to showcase their states at the giant fairgrounds being built on the National Mall. Pennsylvania has yet to decide whether it will participate.

While officials said their states' decisions were largely due to costs, a spokesperson for Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, pointed to concerns about the partisan nature of the event, set to open June 25 and last about two weeks.

"The State of Oregon will not be participating in the Great American State Fair due to both the cost of participating in the Fair and growing concerns that the event in Washington DC is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented," spokesperson Luke Harkin said.

But all 50 states and territories will be represented even if some states don't provide input, and details are still being "actively finalized," a spokesperson for Freedom 250 told CNN.

"What we can say is that every state's story will be told in a way that's authentic to its people, history, and culture," the spokesperson said, adding, "Whether represented by a governor's office, a tourism board, or a beloved state company or organization, every community will be celebrated."

What to expect at Trump’s America 250 state fair

The fair, organized by the Trump-aligned nonprofit Freedom 250, has been billed as a modern-day World's Fair featuring exhibits, cultural displays, and attractions representing all 50 states and US territories.

The event is expected to run from June 25 through July 10 and will coincide with a broader series of celebrations marking the nation's semiquincentennial.

Despite the withdrawals, organizers insist every state will still be represented.

Construction is already underway on the National Mall, where large pavilion tents, a giant Ferris wheel, and other attractions are being assembled ahead of the opening ceremony.

From June 25 through July 10, large white tents decorated with neoclassical columns will house dozens of state pavilions.

Other plans include a scaled-down replica of Trump's proposed 250-foot 'triumphal arch' and an enormous 110-foot Ferris wheel. Freedom 250 has also said there will be movie screenings, musical performances, and military flyovers.

The renderings submitted to Freedom 250 reflect states' histories and heritage.

A person familiar with planning said that Freedom 250 paid for the build-out of each booth and pavilion, but participating states were tasked with funding the decorations for their tents.

A spokesperson for the group responsible for North Carolina's 250 plans said the state was invited "but due to the expenditures required to participate, the state is unable to attend."

"Our limited resources are focused on America 250 events across North Carolina," she said.

Oregon officials cited cost as "a big concern" when discussing the fair with Freedom 250.

Even as some blue states stay on the sidelines, Freedom 250 says the celebration will move forward with broad participation from states, businesses, and cultural organizations eager to showcase what makes their communities unique.