The Great American State Fair continued on the National Mall, marking 250 years of American independence, despite some states boycotting the event due to their leaders' opposition to President Donald Trump.
A patriotic woman from Massachusetts, Donna Festinger, took matters into her own hands and traveled to the nation's capital to represent her state at the fair. Festinger paid her own way from Massachusetts to celebrate the nation's independence and to show her support for the Trump-aligned Freedom 250 event.
Festinger expressed her disappointment with Massachusetts leadership for boycotting the celebration, calling it "shameful." She believes that the state's decision to skip the fair reflects a lack of love for America, saying "It makes me feel like they really don't love America or Massachusetts — my governor."
Festinger plans to stay at the fair through its entire 16-day run, and she thinks the state boycotts are actually uniting the American public, citing the widespread outrage and confusion over the decision. She also expressed her support for the Trump administration's efforts to bring the country together.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey mocked the fair in an interview, claiming that Trump is using it to "get money into his own pocket" and that states were being charged to participate. Festinger countered these claims, saying that the fair is a celebration of American heritage and a chance for the country to come together.
At the Massachusetts booth, Festinger received support from Judith Kalaora, a Boston resident who dressed in a Revolutionary War uniform to honor Deborah Sampson, a Massachusetts woman who disguised herself as a man to fight the British. Kalaora expressed her hope that her presence would unite people to realize that Boston and Massachusetts have a great spirit that can bring the country together.
Eleven states, all run by Democrats, decided to skip the fair, citing various reasons, including the event's perceived partisanship. However, Festinger and Kalaora remain optimistic, believing that the fair is a chance for the country to come together and celebrate its rich heritage.
