Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday that Alabama will take part in the Great American State Fair in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Great American State Fair features exhibits celebrating the people, landscapes and traditions of all 56 U.S. states and territories. The fair, which opened Thursday, will be held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., until July 10.
The event is organized by Freedom 250, a Trump-aligned nonprofit separate from the bipartisan America 250 commission, which is tasked with preparing U.S. Semiquincentennial celebrations.
Ivey said Alabama’s booth will highlight the state’s “role in advancing the nation’s economy, culture and defense.”
The display features tributes to state history, including Alabama’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. Additional sections highlight Alabama’s state parks and information on the state’s agriculture, aerospace and defense industries. Alabama’s display also features a soundtrack highlighting the state’s musical history.
“Alabama is proud to be a part of America’s 250th birthday celebration in our nation’s capital,” Ivey said.
“People from all over the world will be able to witness our state’s diverse strengths and rich history. From agricultural heritage to pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement, Alabama has redefined liberty and equality in America,” Ivey said. “Our pavilion invites visitors to experience the notable people and milestones that have shaped our state and our nation, and I am grateful to President Trump for inviting the states to be part of the Great American State Fair.”
The Alabama display also features a cardboard cutout of Ivey, interactive photo opportunities and Alabama-themed giveaways.
“The pavilion embodies the spirit of the state of Alabama, where tradition meets innovation,” Ivey’s office wrote.
The Great American State Fair featured a kickoff performance Thursday night from country musician Lee Greenwood and tenor Christopher Macchio. Performances from the U.S. Marine Band, U.S. Army Band and “Pershing’s Own” Armed Forces Choirs will also take place at the event.
Several additional musicians, including Martina McBride, Flo Rida, Young MC and Vanilla Ice, were initially scheduled to perform at the fair before canceling or backing out because of concerns that the event had become politicized.
Ten states—Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Washington—have also opted not to send state employees or funds to Washington, D.C., for the event. Freedom 250 organizers have said the states’ displays will instead be operated by private companies or civic organizations.
The fair is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
While admission is free, advance registration for the event is encouraged.
Alongside Ivey’s celebration of Alabama’s participation in U.S. Semiquincentennial events, U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama, and additional members of Congress on Thursday unveiled a Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule that will be sealed for the next 250 years.
