The Great American State Fair Isn’t Very Great
A dizzying showcase on the National Mall has Abraham Lincoln holograms, free Frosties, and a lot of Donald Trump.
TL;DR
- The Great American State Fair on the National Mall features pavilions for states and executive departments, alongside entertainment like a Ferris wheel and rodeo.
- The fair's exterior design is described as austere and slapdash, with trompe l'oeil coverings and a model of Trump's proposed triumphal arch appearing amateurish.
- Despite aesthetic shortcomings, some state pavilions showcase genuine pride and personality, offering moments of delight.
- The fair is criticized for its lack of material reality, with ongoing construction, power outages, and unfinished displays noted.
- Many states, particularly from New England, did not officially participate due to high costs and the event's politicization, leading to minimal representation.
- The event exhibits a tension between state identities and federal government influence, with displays like a replica Trump passport appearing alongside state pride.
- The fair includes a mix of real and artificial elements, from farm animals to faux-dinosaur bones and plastic fruit.
- The overall impression is one of artificiality and a diminished version of grandeur, raising questions about the persuasive power of its displays versus a desire to escape.
- The event opened with a Trump rally, contributing to its politicized atmosphere.