# 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:** 8
**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:** [June 1, 2026, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/141 "2026-06-01T19:22:32Z")
Jefferson Airplane had a record called “Surrealistic Pillow”. Maybe them? Also, I would pay for a ticket to see Wee Billy Bigchin do whatever it is that he does. ---
**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 1, 2026, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/142 "2026-06-01T19:33:27Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > Jefferson Airplane had a record called “Surrealistic Pillow”. Maybe them? Velvet Underground > [@bobot](#): > > Also, I would pay for a ticket to see Wee Billy Bigchin do whatever it is that he does. Save your money. Unless you are unusually short, head to the local pub and once he sees you are yourself a bigjob scunner, you’ll get to experience it firsthand. For free! The Nac Mac Feegles like drinking, fighting, and thieving. Sometimes but not always in that order ---
**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:** [June 1, 2026, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/143 "2026-06-01T19:37:13Z")
Oh, Sweet Nuthin’. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/144 "2026-06-01T19:43:46Z")
Your alternate plans in this thread: [What are your plans for Saturday, the 4th of July (United Statesians only, for the most part, sorta) - In My Humble Opinion - Straight Dope Message Board](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-plans-for-saturday-the-4th-of-july-united-statesians-only-for-the-most-part-sorta/1030547) ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/145 "2026-06-01T19:48:19Z")
You’ve probably already heard that the Boss is going to hold [a protest festival](https://apnews.com/article/bruce-springsteen-trump-music-festival-e25a975c10214bafd855709b0c3125cb) in DC a few weeks before the midterms. Unlike this pathetic assembly of D-listers, there will be some actual names performing there. In addition to Springsteen, there will be the Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, and Joan Baez headlining. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/146 "2026-06-01T19:50:02Z")
Why, oh why do they hate Trumpmerica? ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/147 "2026-06-01T20:15:14Z")
> [@Chelonaut](#): > > Awfully Wee Billy Bigchin has denounced rumours that he would appear as a last minute surprise act, adding that everybody involved in the fair were “Bigjob scunners”. I’m holding out for Angus MacGonagle, the Argyle Gargoyle who gargles Gershwin. ---
**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:** [June 1, 2026, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/148 "2026-06-01T20:16:13Z")
I am unable to distinguish the joke posts from real ones anymore. But I really want to know what a “Bigjob scunner” is. ---
**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:** [June 1, 2026, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/149 "2026-06-01T20:17:35Z")
Please find out via PM, as I do not care to know. ---
**Author:** ![Toxgoddess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f08c70/32.png) [@Toxgoddess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toxgoddess)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/150 "2026-06-01T20:35:04Z")
It’s from Terry Pratchett’s Wee Free Men characters. They are Pictsies-technically fairies who got kicked out of Fairyland for being too drunk and rowdy and whose dialog is a sort of Gaelic-inflected goofiness. “Bigjob scunner” translates to something like “big clumsy human idiot”. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/151 "2026-06-01T21:00:17Z")
We live near the end of a cul-de-sak. One of the neighbors puts on a real nice party for everyone on the street. Well anyone really. Includes a big water slide for the kids, a food truck, tables and shade. It’s mostly BYOB, but I live about 100 feet away. They they set off fireworks as well as the town. I’m not gonna even think about Trumps BS. ---
**Author:** ![Chelonaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9a140/32.png) [@Chelonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chelonaut)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2026, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/152 "2026-06-01T22:21:44Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > _Soul Music_ is one of the Discworld-oeuvre classics I haven’t read. It’s not peak Pratchett, but if you’re up for a lot of music related jokes and puns, and want to find out what Susan was up to before she became a governess, it’s well worth the read ---
**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:** [June 1, 2026, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/153 "2026-06-01T23:17:57Z")
> [@Locrian](#): > > Birth of a Nation will probably be the highlight closer film in the schedule Thank-you for sharing. ✅ > [@Cardigan](#): > > You’ve probably already heard that the Boss is going to hold [a protest festival](https://apnews.com/article/bruce-springsteen-trump-music-festival-e25a975c10214bafd855709b0c3125cb) in DC a few weeks before the midterms. Unlike this pathetic assembly of D-listers, there will be some actual names performing there. In addition to Springsteen, there will be the Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, and Joan Baez headlining. Didn’t know. Cool. You just now this has gotten the Republicspittles scrambling for…something, in a panic. Perhaps a retaliatory festival, say, on Nov. 28 (last Saturday before midterms, with their “Yeah? Says Who? Festival”) and, by gum, they’re gonna unleash the most dynamic, stellar, goddamned greatest power-line-up of the most dynamic, stellar stars, like: Bobby Sherman Rod McKuen (was asked, admin discovers he kicked it in '15) Lemon James Skip Bittman Smoked Out Brainzzzz (some dreary hippie rock band from my town that I’m not even sure are still around) Dot Wiggin Band Wing Daniel Johnston Kids From Widney High Lee Hazelwood (another admin goof-up) Nancy Sinatra (yes, still around) solo Axl Rose (Literally. No one accompanying) Slade Stryper ---
**Author:** ![Zakalwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zakalwe/32/270_2.png) [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2026, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/154 "2026-06-02T01:01:49Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > We live near the end of a cul-de-sak. One of the neighbors puts on a real nice party for everyone on the street. Well anyone really. Includes a big water slide for the kids, a food truck, tables and shade. It’s mostly BYOB, but I live about 100 feet away. > > They they set off fireworks as well as the town. I’m not gonna even think about Trumps BS. When I was living at home for a few years after the Navy (while I was going to college), we did something very similar. Starting in late May, early June, the folks on the street would come by the house and give whoever was home $20, $40, whatever. Then I would take all the money, drive to Alabama (where you could get the boomy stuff) and spend all of the money plus our donation. The cop at the end of the cul-de-sac would pull his car across the entrance and we would have croquet, a slip-and-slide, and stuff. Followed by a big potluck in the sac. And then just at dark, I and couple of the neighbor kids would set off all the fireworks while everybody sat around on lawn chairs. Done by 10 or so and everybody back at home. Good times! ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2026, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/155 "2026-06-02T06:14:49Z")
The latest rumor is that gay men are planning to dress in rainbows and glitter, and crash the festivities. Maybe it would be an insurrection in reverse? ---
**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 2, 2026, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/156 "2026-06-02T14:11:13Z")
> [@Guest-starring\_Id](#): > > Perhaps a retaliatory festival, say, on Nov. 28 (last Saturday before midterms Oh, I’d love that. I’m guessing you wrote “Nov.” when you meant “Oct.,” but November 28th is 3+ weeks _after_ the midterm elections. “What do you mean, we screwed up the scheduling?” 😃 ---
**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:** [June 2, 2026, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/157 "2026-06-02T14:44:53Z")
Ha, yes - thanks to my gaffe, could likely result in their screwed-up scheduling. ---
**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 2, 2026, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/158 "2026-06-02T18:04:20Z")
> [@asterion](#): > > And then there’s the fact that I’ve never seen him wearing a suit that fits properly. And while I got tired years ago of everyone’s “clever” nicknames and insults for his appearance, he could easily pay someone to actually do a decent job instead of whatever it is he does. He’s a deliberately ridiculous looking character, and apparently that’s part of his “charm”. If he had a normal haircut, had a professional do his make-up, and wore a suit that fit properly he would be just another politician. But as a clown, he stands out. ---
**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 2, 2026, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/159 "2026-06-02T19:26:20Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > He’s a deliberately ridiculous looking character, and apparently that’s part of his “charm”. If he had a normal haircut, had a professional do his make-up, and wore a suit that fit properly he would be just another politician. But as a clown, he stands out. I know that that was Boris Johnson’s schtick: the crazy haircut, the rumpled suits, etc., were apparently a calculated choice, to make himself come across as interesting and populist. In Trump’s case, I’m not so sure. The man is legendarily proud and vain, and I don’t think he would ever choose to come across as goofy or clownish, but he’s also stuck in his ways at this point (with the combover, the spray-on-tan, etc.). I strongly suspect that he believes that he looks _good_. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2026, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470/160 "2026-06-02T19:31:19Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > In Trump’s case, I’m not so sure. The man is legendarily proud and vain, and I don’t think he would ever choose to come across as goofy or clownish, but he’s also stuck in his ways at this point (with the combover, the spray-on-tan, etc.). I strongly suspect that he believes that he looks _good_. Agreed. Just as he thinks that fake gold leaf on everything (and I mean _everything_) looks good. He just views things through a weirdly distorted lens. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freedom-250-the-great-american-state-fair/1030470.md?page=9)