Connecticut is blaming the high cost of participation as it joins six other states in dropping out of a Washington D.C. celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary.
Connecticut is blaming the high cost of participation as it joins six other states in dropping out of a Washington, D.C., celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary organized under the President Trump administration. Connecticut joins Massachusetts, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Oregon in dropping out of the Trump-backed state fair event, which is part of the larger Freedom 250 celebration, according to the latest count by Yahoo News published Friday. Other aspects include the United Fighting Championship event Sunday at the White House and a planned speech by Trump, along with performances by musicians Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio. "Connecticut's decision to decline participation in the Great American State Fair came down to resources," Cathryn Vaulman, a spokeswoman for Gov. Ned Lamont, said in a statement. "The federal government has asked states to foot the bill to participate, including staffing a multiweek exhibition," Vaulman said. "We chose to focus our energy where it will have the greatest impact for our residents — on the many celebrations being planned across the state." Vaulman estimated the cost of participating in the event scheduled for June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall could reach $100,000. A concert was scrapped after most of its headliners dropped out, citing the event's affiliation with the president. A freedom truck containing a mobile museum featuring American history is now touring the country. The state fair aimed to feature food and displays from all 50 states and six U.S. territories. Although the event space is free, each state must pay the cost of shipping equipment, displays and other materials, and staffing a booth or pavilion. Oregon officials said shipping costs alone could reach $70,000, CNN reported. Oregon said it was also concerned about the close affiliation between Freedom 250 and Trump, his donors and supporters. Luke Harkins, a spokesperson for Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, said there were "growing concerns that the event in Washington, D.C., is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented," the New York Times reported. In 2016, Congress authorized a bipartisan commission to lead commemorations for the 250th anniversary, which resulted in creation of the America 250 foundation to raise funds and plan events. But Trump created another entity, Freedom 250, which is run and funded by allies such as UFC chief executive Dana White, a close friend of the president's, the Times reported. Rachel Reisner, the Freedom 250 spokeswoman, said the organization is nonpartisan, "full stop — and our track record of collaboration across red, blue and purple states speaks for itself," according to the Times. Although Connecticut has opposed Trump's immigration policies, sued the administration over various funding cuts and restricted ICE's ability to operate in the state, the Lamont administration did not list partisanship as a reason for backing out of the state fair. "We are celebrating America's 250th in a way that is deeply, authentically Connecticut," Vaulman said. "Through CT250, we are sharing the story of a state that helped birth this nation," Vaulman continued. "As Governor Lamont has said, 'moments like this remind us that history isn't just something we look back on — it's something we carry with us.' We are proud to honor that history right here in Connecticut, where it happened." The Freedom 250 website noted its event is a "modern-day World's Fair …celebrating the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth" and includes "state pavilions, industry displays, family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, daily cultural programming, and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall." "The Great American State Fair is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring the entire nation together in celebration of 250 extraordinary years. From the National Mall, Freedom 250 will showcase the ingenuity and boundless promise that have always defined America — and cast a bold vision for the next 250 years," Freedom 250 CEO Keith Krach said in a press release distributed Friday.
