Great American State Fair opens on National Mall with Ferris wheel

Key Points:

• The Great American State Fair opened on the National Mall Thursday to celebrate the U.S. 250th birthday, featuring the first-ever Ferris wheel on the Mall, exhibits from 56 states and territories, rodeo performances, and a petting zoo, running daily through July 10.
• The fair operates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday, extending to 11 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, with special events such as "Make America Healthy Again" Mondays and Military & Veterans Appreciation Day on June 28; July 4 will have extended hours until midnight with a large fireworks display.
• Security measures include a Clear Bag Policy with strict size limits and a list of prohibited items such as aerosols, backpacks, food, and weapons; attendees must enter through designated gates and are encouraged to use public transit or rideshare services due to road closures and Metrobus detours.
• President Donald Trump officially launched the fair with a rally featuring military flyovers and patriotic performances after several artists withdrew from the concert series over concerns about the event's political associations; the fair is organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership created by Trump.
• The fair adds to a series of large events in downtown D.C., increasing security and traffic disruptions, and is followed by upcoming events like the Freedom 250 Grand Prix car race scheduled for August.