Jul 2, 2026 - News

See inside Arizona's Great American State Fair exhibit

Jessica Boehm

Exhibit wall bathed in warm orange spotlights, showing canyon textures. A large quote reads: "Antelope Canyon's light beams are nature's brushstrokes on canvas." — Georgia O'Keeffe. — The Antelope Canyon room in Arizona's exhibit pavilion. Photo: Courtesy of Arizona Office of Tourism

The Great American State Fair, which continues through July 10 on the National Mall, has gotten some decidedly poor reviews — but Arizona's exhibit has been a bright spot, per visitors' social media accounts.

The intrigue: Some states with Democratic governors decided not to participate in the spectacle, saying President Trump had made it a partisan affair.

But Arizona forged ahead, with Gov. Katie Hobbs saying in a press statement: "We are proud to spotlight our state on the national stage for America's 250th anniversary."

What's inside: Three Arizona-themed rooms highlighting the state's diverse geography:

Antelope Canyon: Photos and lighting effects attempt to recreate the beauty of the iconic slot canyon.
Ponderosa Pine Forest: 360-degree imagery transports visitors to the tree canopies of northern Arizona.
Stargazing Over the Desert: Starlight is projected onto dark walls and ceilings in an attempt to bring Arizona's Dark Sky zones to D.C.

Follow the money: The state spent about $280,000 in federal funds on the exhibition, Arizona Office of Tourism spokesperson Josh Coddington told Axios.

By the numbers: In the fair's first week, the booth saw about 4,000 visitors per day, he said.

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See inside Arizona's Great American State Fair exhibit

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