WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will open a 16-day celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary on Wednesday night at the National Mall, where organizers will launch the Great American State Fair with military ceremonies, musical performances and exhibits representing states and territories.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and will feature military flyovers, ceremonial presentations and performances by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” Armed Forces choirs, Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio.
Trump is set to headline the event, which organizers will run from June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall, stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument.
The fair will feature a 110-foot Ferris wheel, the refurbished Smithsonian National Carousel, interactive exhibits, live entertainment and displays from each U.S. state and territory.
Organizers said admission is free but encouraged attendees to register in advance.
Several performers who were previously scheduled to appear at the event withdrew from the lineup, citing concerns that the celebration had become partisan. Organizers still expect several artists, including Vanilla Ice, to perform during the fair.