Full Breakdown
Massachusetts Resident Protests Governor Boycotts at Freedom 250 Great American State Fair
7/4/2026, 1:18:26 AM
Freedom 250 Fair and State Boycotts
The Great American State Fair, part of the Trump-aligned Freedom 250 celebration, began on June 25 and runs through July 10 on the National Mall, marking 250 years of American independence. Several Democratic-led states announced they would not participate, citing cost concerns and the event’s partisan tone. Eleven Democratic-run states, including Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Illinois and Oregon, opted out.
Donna Festinger’s On-the-Ground Protest
Donna Festinger, a former teacher from Massachusetts, traveled at her own expense to Washington, D.C., and staffed the Massachusetts booth for the fair’s entire duration. She said she wanted “somebody to be there” so the public would not encounter an empty room. Festinger expressed disappointment with the decisions of her governor and neighboring states, framing the boycott as a point of unity for the public.
Official Statements & Responses
- Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey mocked the fair in an interview with Boston Public Radio.
- Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker cited “Trump’s politicization of America 250 activities” as the reason for his state’s non-participation.
- Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s office said the state would not join because of participation costs and growing concerns that the event was becoming a partisan affair.
Criticism and Impact of the Boycotts
Festinger called the state decisions “shameful” and suggested they indicated a lack of love for America or Massachusetts. She argued the boycotts were “uniting people—Democrats, Republicans, independents”—by highlighting a shared desire to celebrate national heritage. Festinger also claimed, without evidence, that President Trump is using the fair to “get money into his own pocket” and that states were being charged to participate.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Festinger’s allegation that the fair charges participating states and that President Trump profits from it is presented without supporting evidence or official confirmation. No statements from the fair organizers or the Trump administration were provided to verify these claims.
Participation Data and Timeline
- June 25 – July 10: Freedom 250 Great American State Fair held on the National Mall.
- Pre-fair period: Eleven Democratic-led states announced non-participation. Named states: Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Illinois, Oregon.
- During the fair: Festinger and other volunteers, including Judith Kalaora, staffed the Massachusetts booth.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I came here to represent Massachusetts because I didn't want the public to walk into an empty room. I wanted somebody to be there,” — Donna Festinger, Massachusetts resident
- “I'm very disappointed that Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts decided — their governments decided not to support this effort to celebrate our American heritage,” — Donna Festinger
- “It makes me feel like they really don't love America or Massachusetts — my governor,” — Donna Festinger
- “I'm hopeful that my being here will unite folks to realize that Boston and Massachusetts have a great spirit, and that that spirit can unite the United States through our nation's heritage and through our military history,” — Judith Kalaora, Boston resident
- “Times change, and emotions change, and that's okay, as long as we still remember that we've done great things,” — Judith Kalaora
What’s Next
The Freedom 250 fair continues through July 10, with Festinger and other volunteers planning to remain at the Massachusetts booth for the event’s remainder. State officials have not indicated any change in participation policy before the fair’s conclusion.
