At least seven U.S. states have said they will not participate in President Donald Trump’s “Great American State Fair,” an event tied to celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Officials from Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington have said they will not have a display at the Trump-backed event, which is being staged on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., starting June 25. Several state officials cited cost concerns as the reason for not participating, while one said the event was becoming more partisan than initially expected.

The fair was meant to be a unifying centerpiece of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, with pavilions from all 50 states and territories showcasing their culture and heritage. But with multiple states now declining to participate, many led by Democratic governors, the event is exposing the political divisions shaping the wider semiquincentennial celebrations.

Newsweek contacted Freedom 250, the nonprofit organizing the event, via email on Friday for comment.

What Is The Great American State Fair?

The Great American State Fair is a 16-day national exposition held on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10. The fair is being organized by Freedom 250, the Trump-aligned nonprofit behind several semiquincentennial events.

It is intended to feature themed pavilions from all 50 states and U.S. territories, alongside entertainment, food exhibits, military displays, and attractions such as a 110-foot Ferris wheel. Some of the proposed pavilions, according to Freedom 250, include a minigolf course for South Carolina, a replica of the Alamo for Texas, a mechanical milking cow for Michigan, and a virtual-reality rodeo experience for Wyoming.

What To Know

At least seven states have confirmed they will not send official delegations to the fair, according to multiple reports.

The states reportedly not sending delegations are:

• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Washington

CNN reported that Freedom 250 paid to build each booth and pavilion, while participating states are responsible for funding the design and decoration of their exhibits.

Luke Harkin, a spokesperson for Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, told CNN that the state would not be participating due to “both the cost of participating in the Fair and growing concerns that the event in Washington D.C. is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented.”

An Oregon official told CNN that a $70,000 shipping cost was “substantially” higher than expected.

Michele Walker, a spokeswoman for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, said in a statement per USA Today that the state would not be partaking "due to the expenditures required" and that the state’s “limited resources” would be focused on in-state celebrations.

Cathryn Vaulman, director of communications for Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, said in a statement per USA Today that the decision came down to “resources” as “the federal government has asked states to foot the bill to participate, including staffing a multiweek exhibition."

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said in an interview with Boston's GBH News earlier this month that it was “ridiculous” that the Trump administration "wants to charge us" to participate in the event.

Officials from Massachusetts, Illinois and Washington also told CNN they would not be participating. NOTUS reported that Maine officials told them they will also not be sending a delegation. Pennsylvania remains undecided, while Maryland has confirmed participation after initially being uncertain, according to NOTUS.

The event has also been disrupted by broader controversy, including a wave of performers withdrawing from a planned opening concert series amid concerns about the event's political associations, prompting Trump to replace the concert with a rally-style opening ceremony.

A spokesperson for Freedom 250 told CNN that even if any states and territories do not send a delegation, they will still be represented in some way.

“Whether represented by a governor’s office, a tourism board, or a beloved state company or organization, every community will be celebrated,” they said.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum in Illinois has volunteered to represent the state at the fair, with a state official telling CNN that the museum did not use state funds for participation costs.