FOOD SHOWCASES AMERICA’S CULINARY TRADITIONS AT THE GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR
Freedom 250 Showcases America's Culinary Traditions, Agricultural Heritage and Food Innovation on the National Mall
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, the Great American State Fair will bring one of the nation's most beloved traditions to the National Mall: food. Over 16 days, visitors will experience a culinary showcase that highlights the flavors, traditions, agricultural heritage, and innovation that have shaped the American experience.
Featuring everything from classic county fair favorites and regional specialties to farm-to-table experiences and wellness-focused programming, the Great American State Fair offers a unique opportunity to explore how food reflects the people, places, and values that define the United States.
"Food is one of the great unifiers of the American experience," said Keith Krach, Freedom 250 CEO. "From family farms and ranches to state fair traditions passed down through generations, the Great American State Fair will celebrate the farmers, producers, entrepreneurs, and communities whose work feeds our nation and helps tell America's story."
America's most ambitious celebration of its 250th birthday is coming to the National Mall, and food is one of the defining stories. Over 16 days, the Great American State Fair brings together state fair tradition, competitive eating, farm-to-table heritage, and a national conversation about what Americans eat and why. From deep-fried county fair classics to MAHA-inspired wellness fare, this is a once-in-a-generation culinary snapshot of the nation.
FARM TO FAIR: The American Farm Legacy 250 Program
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will join Ambassador Monica Crowley and five multigenerational "First Legacy Farm Families" on June 26 to launch a landmark initiative honoring 250 years of American agriculture. The angle: who actually feeds America, and what does their table look like? Ranchers, cattle families, and producers front and center, creating a rich portrait opportunity alongside Secretary Doug Burgum discussing land stewardship and the nation's food supply.
MAHA MONDAY: The Food-as-Medicine Movement, Live
Two full Mondays (June 29 and July 6) are dedicated to the Make America Healthy Again movement, offering the most on-the-record access yet to the wellness coalition reshaping national food policy. Programming includes: Judy's Pancakes (breakfast demo, June 29), Holistic Hilda on nutrition and lifestyle, a MAHA Beverage Making session, Joel Salatin's "Food Emancipation Proclamation" (July 6), a MAHA panel.
COWBOY POETRY & COUNTRY ROOTS: The Rancher's Table
Clare Dunn, fifth-generation rancher and artist, will perform on June 29, bookending a day that includes America's Farmers and Ranchers Panel.
DR. OZ COOKS UP MAHA: A Live Demo on the National Mall
Dr. Oz joins celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian on July 6 for a live cooking demonstration built around the new MAHA food pyramid, turning the federal government's updated dietary guidelines into a hands-on, edible lesson.
FULL LIST OF VENDOR FOOD:
- Gourmet Mac n Cheese (classic or loaded)
- Italian Sausage (with chips, fries, or solo)
- Hot Dog (with chips, with fries, solo, or add topping)
- Hamburgers (with chips, with fries, solo, or add cheese/bacon)
- Tenders & Fries
- Jumbo Corn Dog & Fries (or solo)
- Jumbo Chicken on a Stick & Fries (or solo)
- Chicago Style Pizza Slices
- NY Style Thin Crust Pizza Slices
- Sno Cones (small, medium, or large)
- Pretzels
- Popcorn (bag or bucket, add topping)
- Nachos (plain, with cheese, or loaded)
- Fries (small, bucket, or loaded bucket)
- Cookies (individual or bucket)
- Italian Ice (cup)
- Ice Cream (cup or cone)
- Smoothies (regular or large)
- Fresh Squeezed Lemonade (regular, flavored, or souvenir cup)
- Hot Coffee (add flavor available)
- Iced Coffee (add flavor available)
- Thai Iced Coffee
- Thai Iced Tea
- Soda Can
- Water Bottle
- Sports Drink
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with steamed rice & Asian slaw
- Orange Chicken Bowl with steamed rice & Asian slaw
- Sesame Chicken Bowl with steamed rice & Asian slaw
- General Tso Chicken Bowl with steamed rice & Asian slaw
- Cheese Personal Pizza
- Pepperoni Personal Pizza
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Garden Salad
- Boneless Wings
- Pretzel
- Nachos
- Chips
- Hot Dog with Chips
- Chicken Caesar Wrap with Chips
- Chicken Sandwich with Chips
- Muffin
- Large Cookie
- Chop Shop Sandwich & Fries — pulled chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, aji amarillo aioli on brioche
- Panang Sandwich & Fries — red curry pulled chicken, Thai slaw, cilantro lime aioli on brioche
- Lucky Bun & Fries — double beef, Gouda, Lucky sauce, griddled red onion, arugula, Gordy's pickles on brioche
- OG Bun & Fries — double, beef, Gouda, garlic mayo, yellow mustard, shredded lettuce, red onion, Gordy's pickles on brioche
- Fried Yucca with scallions, cilantro lime & aji amarillo aioli
- Elote Loco — corn off the cob with cotija cheese, butter, mayo, lime & tajin
- French Fries with aji amarillo dipping sauce
- Thick Cut Fries with malt vinegar mayo
- Cheesy Fries with Hatch green chile queso
- Thai Iced Coffee
- Thai Iced Tea
Schedule of Signature Events
Freedom 250 signature events include:
FIFA Fan Zone Experience (June 11–July 19, Washington, D.C.) — A celebration of competition, community, and the American spirit on the National Mall. As the world's greatest soccer tournament comes to the United States, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Experience will serve as a gathering place for families, fans, and visitors to enjoy live match broadcasts, interactive activities, and great food in the heart of the nation's capital. Set among the monuments and memorials that tell America's story, the experience will showcase the energy, hospitality, and optimism that define our country. As America approaches its 250th birthday, the Fan Zone will offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the excitement of world-class competition.
Great American State Fair Kick-Off Celebration (June 24, Washington, D.C.) — A patriotic opening ceremony launching the Great American State Fair and celebrating America's 250th birthday. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C., the event will feature military flyovers, ceremonial presentations, performances by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," Armed Forces choirs, and special musical performances by Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio. President Donald J. Trump will headline the celebration with remarks officially launching the Great American State Fair and kicking off a nationwide tribute to the people, traditions, history, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth.
Great American State Fair (June 25–July 10, Washington, D.C.) — A world-class exposition and modern-day World's Fair celebrating the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth. Featuring more than 150 exhibits from all 56 states and territories, businesses, innovators, and civic organizations, the Great American State Fair will showcase the very best of America through state pavilions, industry displays, family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, daily cultural programming, and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall.
Daily Programming Themes:
- Thursday, June 25 — The American Canon: Opening Day
- Friday, June 26 — Land & Prosperity
- Saturday, June 27 — The American Canvas
- Sunday, June 28 — Military & Veterans Appreciation Day
- Monday, June 29 — Everyday Health and Well Being | MAHA Monday
- Tuesday, June 30 — Future of America | Innovation, Technology & Progress
- Wednesday, July 1 — Faith, Values, and Inspiration
- Thursday, July 2 — Horsepower of America
- Friday, July 3 — Wings of Freedom
- Saturday, July 4 — Independence Day Celebration
- Sunday, July 5 — Heritage & Legacy
- Monday, July 6 — Longevity, Innovation & the Future of Health | MAHA Monday
- Tuesday, July 7 — Future of America | Education and Opportunity
- Wednesday, July 8 — Family Life and Community Support
- Thursday, July 9 — Engines of Enterprise
- Friday, July 10 — The Next 250 | Innovation
Theodore Roosevelt Library Celebration (July 1, Medora, North Dakota) — A historic event celebrating the enduring legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt, whose time in the North Dakota Badlands helped shape both his character and his vision for the nation. Set against the rugged landscape that inspired one of America's greatest conservationists, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Celebration will honor Roosevelt's commitment to stewardship of the land, public service, American leadership, and the pioneering spirit that defines our nation. The event will highlight Roosevelt's profound impact on conservation, the creation of America's national parks and public lands, and his belief that every generation has a responsibility to preserve the blessings of freedom and opportunity for those who follow.
- More information forthcoming
Mount Rushmore Celebration (July 3, Keystone, South Dakota) — A powerful tribute to 250 years of American independence set beneath one of our nation's most iconic monuments. Against the backdrop of Mount Rushmore, where the faces of four transformative presidents stand as enduring symbols of freedom and self-government, Americans from across the country will gather to celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and vision that built the United States. The event will feature military honors, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the Black Hills.
- Media RSVP HERE
International Naval Review, International Aerial Review, and Sail4th 250 International Parade of Tall Ships (July 4, New York, NY) — A historic, once-in-a-lifetime gathering of the largest fleet of U.S. and international ships and aircraft in honor of America's 250th birthday. The International Naval Review showcases America's unrivaled maritime superiority, global leadership, and enduring partnerships through the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The celebration will also feature the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world, with vessels representing more than 20 nations creating a breathtaking nautical spectacle across New York Harbor. The parade will highlight the coordination and shared commitment that unite nations across the world's oceans, creating an unforgettable once-in-a-generation event.
Salute to America: A Tribute to America (July 4, Washington, D.C.) — The nation's premier Independence Day celebration and a powerful tribute to 250 years of American freedom, strength, and exceptionalism. Set against the iconic backdrop of the National Mall, Salute to America will bring together citizens from every corner of the country to honor and celebrate the United States. The day will feature the renowned Independence Day Parade, military demonstrations showcasing the courage and capability of America's armed forces, tributes to servicemembers and American heroes, special guest remarks, family-friendly festivities, and patriotic performances celebrating our shared heritage. The celebration will culminate in a record-setting fireworks display illuminating the monuments and memorials of the nation's capital — a breathtaking symbol of the enduring promise of liberty. As America marks its 250th anniversary, Salute to America will stand as a defining celebration of the people, principles, and patriotic spirit that make the United States the greatest nation in the world.
- Media RSVP Closed
- General Public RSVP HERE
These events represent the cornerstone of Freedom 250's mission to deliver unforgettable experiences that honor America's founding, celebrate the achievements of its people, and inspire a renewed commitment to the ideals of liberty, opportunity, and self-government.
Additional details, schedules, and participation opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.
About Freedom 250
Freedom 250 is the national, non-partisan organization leading the celebration of our Nation's 250th birthday. Working together with the White House Task Force 250, federal agencies, and the Commission, Freedom 250 serves as the official public-private partnership that connects, aligns, and amplifies national and local efforts to deliver the defining presidential moments and signature events of this anniversary year.
For more information or to join the movement, visit Freedom250.org.
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