# Freedom 250 - The Great American State Fair **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 29, 2026, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470 "2026-05-29T03:08:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 18
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/341 "2026-06-26T00:56:40Z")
I never thought I’d have the opportunity to get a selfie with a cardboard cutout of Abraham Lincoln. Thanks, Kentucky! ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/342 "2026-06-26T01:05:09Z")
With a backwards U.S. flag and sideways Kentucky flag. So impressive! [![](https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2026/06/25/USAT/90698189007-16300.jpg?width=1320&height=860&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp) ](https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2026/06/25/USAT/90698189007-16300.jpg?width=1320&height=860&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp) ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/343 "2026-06-26T01:16:34Z")
Flag looks ok. The stars should be on the upper left when it’s hanging vertical …unless that’s flipped due to a mirror (or mirror mode on the phone). That would not be so great. But on further review, looks ok? If that ring is on his left hand, the US flag is hanging correctly, though I’m not enamored of setting a plant so close it doesn’t hang straight. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/344 "2026-06-26T02:46:31Z")
> [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > But on further review, looks ok? If that ring is on his left hand, the US flag is hanging correctly, though I’m not enamored of setting a plant so close it doesn’t hang straight. I love that you figured it out by looking at his ring but didn’t read the words on his shirt. You skipped the easy clue and went for something more difficult. That’s awesome! ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/345 "2026-06-26T03:05:38Z")
D’oh! 🤦 ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/346 "2026-06-26T03:07:18Z")
> [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > Flag looks ok. Ok. So the display of the U.S. flag is not the _worst_ thing about the set-up. 😁 ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/347 "2026-06-26T04:51:00Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > IT’S REALLY THE STATE OF INDIANA EXHIBIT! Oh my good God. I couldn’t find any images but according to USA Today the Arizona exhibit, > will be titled “Arizona Illuminated,” said Josh Coddington, a spokesperson for the Arizona Tourism Department. > > It will have “creative lighting, sound, scent and digital design elements to immerse visitors in Arizona’s diverse natural environments, such as the world-famous Antelope Canyon and our clear, star-studded dark skies,” Coddington said. I can’t wait to see what it actually is. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/348 "2026-06-26T04:53:18Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > I can’t wait to see what it actually is. My money is on a PowerPoint slide show with scented candles. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/349 "2026-06-26T05:02:20Z")
Yeah, it’s supposed to be a mirror, so the only way this makes sense is if they would have flipped it back. (Mirror mode would not normally activate on the outward facing camera of a phone.) But I can’t say I usually see people doing that for mirror selfies. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/350 "2026-06-26T05:29:18Z")
Seems like a Grand Canyon motif would be fairly easy to pull off. I was about to ask if the ~~storage units~~ pavillions had electricity, and now I see the theme title. I’ve only seen KY and IN(?) putt putt scene, but why are they so lame? As in cheap and amateurish; I’m sure they’re cool at school fairs and whatnot, but as a representation of the state at a huge, national event? ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/351 "2026-06-26T06:28:19Z")
You can see a few more of them in this article. > **[What we know about Trump’s Great American State Fair | CNN Politics](https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/25/politics/what-we-know-great-american-state-fair-trump-250)** > > The Trump administration’s 16-day-long Great American State Fair has begun, offering visitors to the National Mall in Washington, DC, the chance to visit pavilions showcasing every US state and territory. As to why they are so lame, who knows. Apparently, there were a lot of expenses involved in participating. > **[See how your state is handling Trump's Great American State Fair](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/usa250/2026/06/12/freedom-250-great-american-state-fair-states-trump/90520139007/)** > > Freedom 250 said all 50 U.S. states will be represented at the Great American State Fair. But some state officials have opted not to allocate funds. ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/352 "2026-06-26T08:12:44Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > Apparently, there were a lot of expenses involved in participating. Hawai’i opted out, [citing expenses](https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/06/24/hawaii-skips-great-american-state-fair-focus-local-events/). As a malihini (non-native) Hawaiian resident, I am frankly relieved, as it would have been grotesque otherwise. As the linked article correctly notes, there are … issues … in terms of Hawai’i participation, regardless of cost. The precise narrative varies depending on who you listen to, but there is a legitimate case to be made that the independent kingdom of Hawai’i was overrun by Western imperialism. So why should Hawai’i celebrate American independence anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/353 "2026-06-26T11:50:27Z")
What does a real estate con man from New York City know about state fairs? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/354 "2026-06-26T12:05:10Z")
About as much as he knows about Presidentin’ ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/355 "2026-06-26T12:07:27Z")
One expects fairs to be full of con artists, so he actually fits the role this time ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/356 "2026-06-26T13:13:24Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > > [@Kimstu](#): > > > > If you’re willing to accept that military music ensembles have any valid role at all in a national military, I can’t see why you woiuld make a specific exception for the particular type of music (pop/rock, as played by the abovementioned Downrange group) that most people are most interested in listening to. > > There are occasions calling for military type music, and ceremonies where it’s expected. I still say, if there are times when only a rock or jazz band will do, hire a working band. Arrrgggh, I promise I will drop this hijack, but I gotta say this just seems silly. The military’s already **got** trained musicians (and an entire School of Music for talented servicemembers) that they would have to maintain for their military-band activities even if they didn’t also field jazz, classical, and rock/pop ensembles for other events. And servicemember musicians, unlike outside groups, don’t require handling the hassle of gig contracts and booking negotiations, and are extremely contractually obligated to do what they’re told. It’s a concert promoter’s dream, ffs. So I continue to think that the US armed services knows what it’s doing when it maintains non-military-band musical ensembles as part of its music activities, and that civilian (or vet? sorry, I don’t know your life) squeamishness about certain types of music not being “soldierly” enough for servicemembers to perform in their official capacity is silly. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/357 "2026-06-26T13:31:52Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > squeamishness > [@Kimstu](#): > > So I continue to think that the US armed services knows what it’s doing when it maintains non-military-band musical ensembles as part of its music activities I would never give the Kegbreath Pentagon the benefit of the doubt, even if he has nothing to do with it. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/358 "2026-06-26T14:30:51Z")
These sorts of military bands were common 40 years ago when I was serving. The current criminal regime has done nothing pro or con about military bands. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/359 "2026-06-26T14:40:23Z")
My first wife played flute in a university wind symphony and fended off more than a few recruiters from the USMC. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/360 "2026-06-26T14:54:53Z")
> [@Josh Coddington](#): > > It will have “creative lighting, sound, scent and digital design elements to immerse visitors in Arizona’s diverse natural environments, such as the world-famous Antelope Canyon and our clear, star-studded dark skies,” 1. He said “diverse”! Can’t allow that! 2. I think there were more words in that sentence that there are things in the exhibit. > [@aurora\_maire](#): > > Apparently, there were a lot of expenses involved in participating. Ah. You have ty pay the bribe to Donnie’s “foundation”, I bet. Now you may feel it should have been a voluntary cause But that’s not the point, my friends When the money keeps rolling in, you don’t ask how Think of all the people guaranteed a good time now Donnie’s called the states in here, open up the doors! Never been a fair like the Freedom 250 fair! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470.md?page=19)