In a rare show of bipartisan unity, Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators have stepped in to ensure the Keystone State is represented at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, reversing a recent decision by Governor Josh Shapiro to skip the event.
Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced a joint, privately funded coalition of Pennsylvania business and agricultural organizations to build and operate a state pavilion. The initiative comes after Governor Shapiro declared earlier this month that Pennsylvania would join nearly a dozen other states in opting out of the 16-day exposition, which marks the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The Great American State Fair, a centerpiece of the “Freedom 250” semiquincentennial celebrations spearheaded by President Donald Trump, has faced national scrutiny and political polarization. Governor Shapiro had previously stated that Pennsylvania would not participate, citing a lack of interest from local businesses and a desire to save $700,000 in taxpayer funds to use on local celebrations instead.
However, Pennsylvania’s senators argued that the birthplace of America could not be left out of the national spotlight.
“Pennsylvania is where America’s story began, and there was no way we were going to let the Commonwealth go unrepresented during our Nation’s 250th birthday celebration,” Senator McCormick said in a statement. “As the birthplace of American independence, home to the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, and the engine for the arsenal of democracy, Pennsylvania has a special responsibility to preserve, celebrate, and share that enduring legacy.”
Senator Fetterman echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that celebrating the milestone transcends party lines.
“Celebrating America’s 250th birthday and Pennsylvania’s special role in our country is important and bipartisan,” Fetterman said. “We discovered our Commonwealth wasn’t participating in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall and we should be. We are now making sure Pennsylvania’s booth will highlight the Commonwealth’s agriculture dominance, our businesses, and what makes PA a truly awesome and historic place.”
To bypass the state’s budget and the governor’s opt-out, McCormick and Fetterman worked alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to secure private backing. The Pennsylvania Pavilion will be funded entirely through private partnerships, ensuring no taxpayer dollars are used.
“The Keystone State belongs front and center,” said Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the PA Chamber of Business and Industry. “We’re excited to help showcase the people, businesses, and innovation that continue to shape America’s future.”
The Great American State Fair opened on June 25 and is scheduled to run through July 10, 2026. Stretching across the National Mall from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument, the massive, World’s Fair-style exposition features a 110-foot Ferris wheel, daily rodeos, and cultural exhibits from participating states and territories.
The upcoming Pennsylvania Pavilion intends to shine a spotlight on the state’s top-tier sectors, heavily featuring its massive agricultural footprint, small business community, and foundational role in American history. Organizers have not yet released the specific timeline for when the Pennsylvania installation will be fully open to the fair’s expected millions of visitors.
