Trump Administration Kicks Off Great American State Fair in Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday
July 7, 2025
President Donald J. Trump held a massive celebration on the eve of Independence Day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds where he launched the year-long Great American State Fair in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The Great American State Fair will travel across the country, bringing America 250 programing to existing state and county fairs and will culminate with a festival on the National Mall on July 4, 2026 with exhibits from all 50 states.
As part of President Trump’s announcement, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins unveiled a proclamation (PDF, 57.2 KB) calling on states across the nation to celebrate America’s proud agriculture heritage by implementing America 250 programing at every state fair during the year leading up to the anniversary.
“For nearly 250 years, the Great American Experiment has stood as a beacon of liberty, forging a path that has saved the world from tyranny and secured peace and prosperity for billions. The display of America’s strong livestock, bountiful harvests, rich communities, and thriving families at state fairs across the nation is evidence that the vision our founders cast 249 years ago endures. As we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, I call on all Americans—including state leadership at every level—to celebrate the achievements of our nation surrounded by the families and patriots who have dedicated their lives to feeding, fueling, and clothing our country for centuries,” said Secretary Rollins.
The proclamation signed by Secretary Rollins highlighted the historic significance of the 1876 Centennial Exposition, the 1976 Bicentennial Exposition, and the upcoming 2026 Semiquincentennial celebration. State fairs around the country are encouraged to establish patriotic centers of celebration for America 250 and imbue their 2025 and 2026 events with historic patriotism and tributes to the founding spirit of our Republic.
More than 35 states have already committed to celebrating America 250 with the Great American State Fair in 2025. By making America 250 the centerpiece of their 2025–2026 seasons, these fairs are set to spotlight the heart of our nation through vibrant fireworks displays, tributes to veterans, historical exhibits, and more. Their celebrations will honor America’s heritage and ignite national pride across the country.
States are encouraged to issue their own proclamations and work in conjunction with state and local fairs and rodeos to ensure the year of America’s 250 celebration is the most patriotic in history leading up to America’s birthday. The states of Alabama, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming are helping to lead the way with proclamations issued to launch the initiative. While all states will be invited to participate in America 250, the state with the most patriotic 2025 state fair will be honored during the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in July, 2026.
More details about the National Mall event will be available soon.
Secretary Rollins is a member of Task Force 250, which President Trump established to coordinate and implement the national celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
As part of the celebrations, Secretary Rollins also recently unveiled the Great American Farmers Market which will occur August 3-8, 2025 during National Farmers Market Week on the National Mall.
We unite by calling on every American to help inspire our communities, honor our 250-year heritage, and make the next 365 days the most patriotic era in American history.
Source: USDA
