Colorado to join Trump's 250th state fair celebration
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The Freedom 250 Great American State Fair will take place on the National Mall starting June 22, 2026. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Colorado's forests, culture and identity go on display in Washington, D.C., as the Great American State Fair opens Thursday on the National Mall.
Why it matters: The high-profile event is a centerpiece of the nation's 250th celebration — and Colorado's involvement has become a flashpoint in a broader debate over politics and patriotism.
Driving the news: At least seven other states — most led by Democrats — are declining to participate because of the cost and increasingly partisan nature of the celebration.
- In a statement to Axios, Eric Maruyama, a spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, did not address the political nature of the exhibition but confirmed Colorado's participation.
What they're saying: "Our state looks forward to showcasing Colorado ... with an engaging, interactive experience giving visitors a taste of Colorado's outdoors," Maruyama wrote.
Context: The Freedom 250 nonprofit organizing the celebration built a booth and pavilion for every state and six territories at the fair, but states that choose to participate must cover the costs of designing, decorating and shipping their exhibits to Washington, D.C.
- Polis' office could not immediately provide a cost estimate for Colorado's exhibit.
- Even states that chose not to participate will still have a presence at the fair.
Zoom in: With Colorado's exhibit, state officials are trying to promote its natural wonders, outdoor adventures and vibrant culture.
- The state sent a replica of the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" sign, a ski lift chair, a river-paddling game and a miniature Red Rocks-inspired feature, along with the trees.
The intrigue: For the 250th anniversary time capsule, the Polis administration sent a commemorative coin, postcards and a gubernatorial proclamation that acknowledges the "conflict and growth" that came with settling on Indigenous peoples' land and a mention of Polis' campaign theme, "Colorado For All."
- "To those who will open this time capsule in the year 2276 ... we send greetings across the centuries, with hope that the ideals of freedom, democracy, equality, and self-government have continued to grow stronger and more inclusive," it reads in part.