Ohio showcases "The Heart of It All" at Great American State Fair
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Attendees visit U.S. state booths during the first day of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. Photo: Jabin Botsford/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Great American State Fair is underway on the National Mall, and visitors to the President Trump-backed affair will get a chance to learn why Ohio is "The Heart of It All."
Why it matters: Several states, mostly led by Democrats, decided to skip the controversial, politicized fair, but Ohio is spending up to $750,000 to attend.
- The event represents a moment of alignment between Trump and Gov. Mike DeWine, who share a more complicated relationship than some other prominent Republicans.
Zoom in: The Ohio Pavilion showcases "the destinations, traditions, innovations and family-focused initiatives that make Ohio the place where you can build a great career, experience amazing adventures and live a great life," DeWine spokesperson Eve Mueller tells Axios.
- It features a tourism exhibit, a facade of the Statehouse and several initiatives supporting children, including OhioSee and Storybook Trails.
- DeWine and first lady Fran DeWine welcomed visitors to the display Thursday, to share how "Ohio has played a defining role in America's story."
Catch up quick: Trump kicked off the 16-day fair with a campaign-style rally Wednesday evening, though it was hampered by electricity issues.
- In addition to state-themed displays, it features vendors and attractions, including a 110-foot-tall Ferris wheel.
- The event is part of Freedom 250, a campaign the White House launched to celebrate America's semiquincentennial.
Of note: Freedom 250 is separate from America 250, a bipartisan commission that's also been organizing events nationwide, including locally, ahead of July Fourth.
What they're saying: "We're always a work in progress, Ohio's a work in progress, this country is a work in progress," DeWine told the Iowa Capital Dispatch while at the fair.
- "… the thing we need to keep in mind, all of us, is there's some essential core principles that we all believe in."
- "We may disagree about different policies, but the core principles are the same."
What we're watching: The fair runs through July 10 and has had mixed reception so far.