# 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:** 4
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2026, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/61 "2026-05-30T00:12:39Z")
Above is a link to a Megadeth song. Can not edit. Fuck the youtube bug. The internet was working nicely until this fucking senseless bullshit came along. ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2026, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/62 "2026-05-30T01:40:16Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > _Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Semiquincentennial Celebration for the Children_ Make it _Squickyquincentennial_ and I’m with you. ---
**Author:** ![JohnGalt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johngalt/32/184_2.png) [@JohnGalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnGalt)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2026, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/63 "2026-05-30T01:59:10Z")
I posted this in the Clusterfuck thread, but it’s probably a better fit here. In sixth grade a bunch of us did some math, and figured out that we would graduating from high school in 1976. We were quite excited; our yearbook is full of red white and blue pictures, and even had the _Spirit of '76_ picture on the cover. There was so much hype and hoopla back then, and _everyone_ wanted in on the action. This recent NYT (gift) article describes how a historian was able get his students to save “Bicentennial junk” (his words), and it brings back a wide range of memories about how pervasive the Bicentennial hype was back then. Take a look at some of the things that got saved “for history”, and compare that widespread obsession with how little people seem to care today. > **[How a Radical Historian Saved the Schlock of ’76](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/05/01/arts/bicentennial-schlock-collection-america-250.html?unlocked_article_code=1.mFA.ySve.p37recnA3IkP&smid=nytcore-android-share)** > > Yale’s Bicentennial Schlock collection offers a window into the star-spangled commercialism that swept the country 50 years ago. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/64 "2026-05-30T02:04:17Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > If they didn’t realize what they were signing up for, this probably caught them by surprise. I’m sorry, but if anyone doesn’t know what this is yet, is well, just as DUM as Trump. I’ll give them a ‘B’ if they need it, they have certainly earned it. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2026, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/65 "2026-05-30T10:55:03Z")
Apparently, the guy who was putting together musical talent is actually named _Jeff Epstein_ of a company named Universal Attractions. No joke (I think). I sort of pity him with that name. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2026, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/66 "2026-05-30T14:26:48Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > Apparently, the guy who was putting together musical talent is actually named _Jeff Epstein_ The writers of this season of “The President” are just messing with us now. ---
**Author:** ![Andy\_L](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2026, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/67 "2026-05-30T18:18:46Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > I played Congressional secretary Charles Thomson. I had more lines than anyone else. “Your obedient, G. Washington” ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2026, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/68 "2026-05-30T23:56:46Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > Apparently, the guy who was putting together musical talent is actually named _Jeff Epstein_ of a company named Universal Attractions. No joke (I think). I sort of pity him with that name. “Why should I change my name? _He’s_ the one who sucks.” – Mike Bolton, _Office Space_ ---
**Author:** ![XOldiesJock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ec9cab/32.png) [@XOldiesJock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XOldiesJock)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2026, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/69 "2026-05-31T00:13:10Z")
A lot of that stuff is pretty bizarre. One thing I’ve always remembered because it was just so crass were commercials crowing about how much Americans could save during the “BUY-Centennial.” ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2026, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/70 "2026-05-31T00:16:56Z")
…and the Great American State Fair has been cancelled. [![](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreidbk3nxw6bz6bkhj3z7antqtzpglc2gszdv3b4cnzw4turlaqfyae) ](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/bafkreidbk3nxw6bz6bkhj3z7antqtzpglc2gszdv3b4cnzw4turlaqfyae) ---
**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:** [May 31, 2026, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/71 "2026-05-31T00:59:21Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > the Great American State Fair has been cancelled He’s just talking about the concerts, not the entire Fair. There’s a whole lot more to it than the music. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2026, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/72 "2026-05-31T01:28:55Z")
Oh I was looking forward to Shrodinger’s gig. At least there’s no sour grapes in that tweet, and why not throw in a little Judge Cooper while we’re at it. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2026, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/73 "2026-05-31T01:29:33Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > > [@Smapti](#): > > > > the Great American State Fair has been cancelled > > He’s just talking about the concerts, not the entire Fair. There’s a whole lot more to it than the music As long as there’s funnel cake, everything’s gonna be OK. ---
**Author:** ![Manduck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manduck/32/256_2.png) [@Manduck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Manduck)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2026, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/74 "2026-05-31T01:56:45Z")
> [@Guest-starring\_Id](#): > > why not throw in a little Judge Cooper while we’re at it. And his wife, for some reason ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2026, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/75 "2026-05-31T02:10:40Z")
Re: Smapti’s last Trump tweet above Trump used the term “obfuscation”, correctly or incorrectly, doesn’t matter which, like my name is “Jesus Christ Superstar”. ---
**Author:** ![tracer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tracer/32/20578_2.png) [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2026, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/76 "2026-05-31T02:11:18Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > this semiquincentennial event As someone who lived through the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, I think this year should be called the bi-and-a-half-centennial. ---
**Author:** ![RAWDuke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/71e660/32.png) [@RAWDuke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RAWDuke)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2026, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/77 "2026-05-31T02:44:13Z")
I think we all need to remember… … what happened last year? Nobody went to his birthday parade, the soldiers didn’t even look at him on the review stand as they sauntered past, trump got booted out of the G5 summit, and Gavin Newsom called him a poopy head. All in the course of a week. So, what did trump do? He bombed Iran! We’d all better go to his birthday concert this year, or he’s going to invade Cuba. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2026, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/78 "2026-05-31T04:48:46Z")
Debacle ---
**Author:** ![joebuck20](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/74df32/32.png) [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2026, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/79 "2026-05-31T04:53:04Z")
I imagine this has to really sting for the orange emperor. It’s one thing to have, say, Philip Glass, pull out of a Kennedy Center engagement. Trump can pretty easily dismiss that as some artsy-fartsy liberal hack who’s butthurt about the MAGA agenda. Hell, there’s a good chance that most of Trump’s base doesn’t even know who that is, other than maybe that he’s some weird composer guy. But to have a group like the Freedom 250 line-up, people who were, at one time at least, pretty recognizable, but many of whom are willing to take most any paycheck that comes their way these days, rebuke him - you know that really has to chap his ass. I’m not surprised that this could well be cancelled. As for getting other artists on board, there might be a few hardcore MAGA performers willing to step up, but stars like Jason Aldean or Carrie Underwood, or really most anyone with any sort of name recognition, probably wouldn’t be thrilled about a gig that essentially involves them serving as replacement filler for the likes of Milli Vanilli. ---
**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:** [May 31, 2026, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/80 "2026-05-31T05:02:55Z")
And now the Head Chef of Shit will serve up a shitty substitute; himself. What a surprise; A-hole wants to be the main act and drop the pretense that this shit show is anything other than another magat rally. Not that I had any expectation of something better, or that I was going to pay any attention whatsoever to anything connected to the events in D.C. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470.md?page=5)