Rhode Island Snubs the Great American State Fair, Joining a Growing List of States

Add Rhode Island to the list of states that will not participate in the Great American State Fair, which kicks off in Washington D.C. on June 25.

Faith Chybowski, spokesperson for the Rhode Island Secretary of State's office and RI250 Commission, said officials turned down the invitation due to 'financial and staffing limitations.'

The state cited its semiquincentennial commemoration in Providence on July 4 as a reason for missing the fair, with staff supporting other events across the state.

Several other states, including Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Illinois, North Carolina, and Connecticut, have also backed out, citing financial concerns.

Maine has also withdrawn, according to reports.

The fair, organized by Freedom 250, a nonprofit behind several semiquincentennial events, is billed as a world-class exposition showcasing the 'very best of America.'

However, those displays and staffing fall entirely on state delegations, which have significant financial constraints.

The RI250 Commission, which received $324,000 from the General Assembly, primarily used funds for marketing and staff expenses.

Freedom 250 confirmed Rhode Island's withdrawal due to budget constraints, but noted all states will still have some presence at the fair.

'Whether represented by a governor's office, a tourism board, or a beloved state company or organization, every community will be celebrated, and every American will see themselves in this once-in-a-generation event,' a spokesperson said.

K Keith Stokes, Rhode Island's historian laureate, said the state is not missing out by skipping the fair, citing its commitment to in-state programming.

'At the end of the day, you control what you have,' he said. 'With so much uncertainty with the economy, it's about being creative inside the box.'

Stokes highlighted an upcoming exhibition at the Rosecliff mansion in Newport, which explores how diverse Newporters experienced the tumult of the Revolution.

'All of our residents and inhabitants should feel they're part of this experience,' he said. 'What makes our republic so special is that everyone is recognized.'

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