Blab News
Massachusetts Declines to Join Trump-Backed Great American State Fair
Massachusetts has officially rejected an invitation to participate in the Great American State Fair, a 16‑day festival on the National Mall that will run from June 25 to July 10 as part of President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 celebrations of the United States’ 250th anniversary. The decision, announced by Gov. Maura Healey’s office, follows similar refusals by Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Oregon and North Carolina.
According to the Boston Herald, Healey’s office said the state would not send a delegation to Washington. The office explained that Massachusetts is focusing on its own 2026 events, including MA250, Sail Boston, expanded July 4th celebrations and World Cup activities. “With MA250 events, Sail Boston, expanded July 4th celebrations, World Cup activities, and other major initiatives taking place across the state this summer, our priority is making sure residents and visitors experience the history, culture, and community that make Massachusetts the birthplace of the American Revolution,” the office told the Herald.
The Great American State Fair is organized by Freedom 250, a public‑private partnership created by executive order in January 2025. Freedom 250 operates separately from the congressional, non‑partisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission (America 250). The Fair will feature state exhibits, musical performances, cultural programming and a Ferris wheel. Some states have cited a minimum cost of $100,000 to participate, while others have expressed concerns that the event has become too partisan. The Fair’s concert lineup has already seen withdrawals from artists such as Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and The Commodores.
In a recent interview on WGBH, Healey criticized the Fair’s funding model. “Great American Fair, this guy tries to get money into his pocket any which way. He invited all the states to participate and wants to charge us to go down and put something on his exhibit, whatever he’s creating for Freedom 250, it’s just ridiculous. This is taxpayer money,” she said. The statement reflects broader criticism that Freedom 250 has received for its fundraising practices and perceived politicization.
Freedom 250 has received at least $68 million in federal funding, while reports indicate that tens of millions have been withheld from America 250. The White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, which oversees Freedom 250, has been described as a separate entity from the congressional commission. Critics argue that the split has led to duplication of efforts and a lack of transparency.
The Great American State Fair will also include an opening rally featuring Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio and military bands, according to the White House website. The event is part of a larger slate of celebrations that include the UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, a Freedom 250 Grand Prix around the National Mall and various state‑level commemorations.
Massachusetts’ decision to abstain from the Fair aligns with a growing number of states that are opting out of Trump‑backed 250th‑anniversary events. The state’s focus remains on local celebrations that highlight Massachusetts’ historical significance and cultural heritage. As the National Mall festival approaches, the absence of Massachusetts and other states will likely be noted by organizers and observers of the Freedom 250 program.
The current status is that Massachusetts will not contribute a state exhibit or participate in the Fair’s programming. No further official statements have been released regarding potential future involvement. The Fair will proceed as scheduled, with the remaining participating states preparing their displays and performances for the summer of 2026.
According to the Boston Herald, Healey’s office said the state would not send a delegation to Washington. The office explained that Massachusetts is focusing on its own 2026 events, including MA250, Sail Boston, expanded July 4th celebrations and World Cup activities. “With MA250 events, Sail Boston, expanded July 4th celebrations, World Cup activities, and other major initiatives taking place across the state this summer, our priority is making sure residents and visitors experience the history, culture, and community that make Massachusetts the birthplace of the American Revolution,” the office told the Herald.
The Great American State Fair is organized by Freedom 250, a public‑private partnership created by executive order in January 2025. Freedom 250 operates separately from the congressional, non‑partisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission (America 250). The Fair will feature state exhibits, musical performances, cultural programming and a Ferris wheel. Some states have cited a minimum cost of $100,000 to participate, while others have expressed concerns that the event has become too partisan. The Fair’s concert lineup has already seen withdrawals from artists such as Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and The Commodores.
In a recent interview on WGBH, Healey criticized the Fair’s funding model. “Great American Fair, this guy tries to get money into his pocket any which way. He invited all the states to participate and wants to charge us to go down and put something on his exhibit, whatever he’s creating for Freedom 250, it’s just ridiculous. This is taxpayer money,” she said. The statement reflects broader criticism that Freedom 250 has received for its fundraising practices and perceived politicization.
Freedom 250 has received at least $68 million in federal funding, while reports indicate that tens of millions have been withheld from America 250. The White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, which oversees Freedom 250, has been described as a separate entity from the congressional commission. Critics argue that the split has led to duplication of efforts and a lack of transparency.
The Great American State Fair will also include an opening rally featuring Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio and military bands, according to the White House website. The event is part of a larger slate of celebrations that include the UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, a Freedom 250 Grand Prix around the National Mall and various state‑level commemorations.
Massachusetts’ decision to abstain from the Fair aligns with a growing number of states that are opting out of Trump‑backed 250th‑anniversary events. The state’s focus remains on local celebrations that highlight Massachusetts’ historical significance and cultural heritage. As the National Mall festival approaches, the absence of Massachusetts and other states will likely be noted by organizers and observers of the Freedom 250 program.
The current status is that Massachusetts will not contribute a state exhibit or participate in the Fair’s programming. No further official statements have been released regarding potential future involvement. The Fair will proceed as scheduled, with the remaining participating states preparing their displays and performances for the summer of 2026.
