The Great American State Fair is bringing people from all over the U.S. to celebrate – but at least eight states have opted out.In New England, that includes Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont.“We were focusing instead all of our preparations to do that in Vermont rather than down in Washington, D.C. we have limited resources to the 250th, because Vermont has so many priorities and things we need to take care,” said Laura Trieschmann, Vermont Historic Preservation Officer.Vermont officials said participating in the fair would have required a significant investment of time and resources. Instead, those efforts are being directed toward celebrations in Vermont.“Should be an all inclusive big celebration of the country. I don’t think it’s it speaks badly for Vermont to pull out. And if it saves us a couple bucks as well, even better,” said Felipe Fernandez, a South Burlington resident.Some Vermonters said they’re happy to see those resources stay closer to home.“Sounds like we did while saving some money, and we’re going to spend it here at home where we need it,” said Fernandez.Throughout the summer, communities across the state will host events marking America’s 250th anniversary.That includes Declaration of Independence readings, history programs and Revolutionary War reenactments.“I think Vermont is celebrating this milestone exactly where our strengths have always lived, right in the heart of our local communities,” said Trieschmann.“We’re very strong in who we are and being in Vermont. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be in Vermont this time of year? It’s spectacular,” said Trieschmann.State officials say the focus is on celebrating Vermont’s role in American history while bringing those events directly to local communities. New York state will be participating at the State Fair.A spokesperson for the event says all 50 states and U.S. territories will be represented in some way regardless of absences from state officials.

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. —

The Great American State Fair is bringing people from all over the U.S. to celebrate – but at least eight states have opted out.

In New England, that includes Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont.

“We were focusing instead all of our preparations to do that in Vermont rather than down in Washington, D.C. we have limited resources to the 250th, because Vermont has so many priorities and things we need to take care,” said Laura Trieschmann, Vermont Historic Preservation Officer.

Vermont officials said participating in the fair would have required a significant investment of time and resources. Instead, those efforts are being directed toward celebrations in Vermont.

“Should be an all inclusive big celebration of the country. I don’t think it’s it speaks badly for Vermont to pull out. And if it saves us a couple bucks as well, even better,” said Felipe Fernandez, a South Burlington resident.

Some Vermonters said they’re happy to see those resources stay closer to home.

“Sounds like we did while saving some money, and we’re going to spend it here at home where we need it,” said Fernandez.

Throughout the summer, communities across the state will host events marking America’s 250th anniversary.

That includes Declaration of Independence readings, history programs and Revolutionary War reenactments.

“I think Vermont is celebrating this milestone exactly where our strengths have always lived, right in the heart of our local communities,” said Trieschmann.

“We’re very strong in who we are and being in Vermont. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be in Vermont this time of year? It’s spectacular,” said Trieschmann.

State officials say the focus is on celebrating Vermont’s role in American history while bringing those events directly to local communities. New York state will be participating at the State Fair.

A spokesperson for the event says all 50 states and U.S. territories will be represented in some way regardless of absences from state officials.