General Discussion

Crowds arrived in small numbers, according to multiple outlets, with The Washington Post reporting the opening-day crowds were “relatively sparse compared with past National Mall events.”

Power outages impacted some of the fair’s offerings, resulting in melted ice cream, disruptions to the 110-foot-tall Ferris wheel and a shut down of West Virginia's booth, which experienced air conditioning issues, USA Today reported.

Freedom 250 spokesperson Julia Friedland acknowledged the electrical issues to the Post, saying the fair experienced “power hiccups.”

The fair features booths for all 50 U.S. states, though not all booths will be manned throughout the celebration, as states including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon and Pennsylvania opted out of sending official representatives over budget constraints or scheduling issues.

North Carolina’s exhibit, which is backed by private sponsors, garnered attention Friday after an “unapproved image” of the Confederate flag was displayed, a spokesperson for the North Carolina booth told Spectrum News, which noted the governor’s office said in a statement it demanded “the organizers stop dishonoring the flag of North Carolina.”

Friday’s installment of the fair was shuttered hours early by rain, according to USA Today, with Saturday’s programming possibly in jeopardy as showers are “likely” alongside a “possible” thunderstorm after 4 p.m. EDT, the National Weather Service said.

The fair‘s programming includes rodeo and music performances, movie screenings, photo opportunities and a variety of food.

“There’s nice people, nice events, nice family events,” Sharyn Bovat, an attendee, told the Associated Press. “Half the country is divided with the other half. I wish they would create a USA 250 for all the people. I’m tired of the politics.” Bovat said a replica of the Trump’s proposed Triumphal Arch gave the fair a political undertone and told the AP it “makes me think of Germany.”