Washington won’t join ‘Great American State Fair’ — KIRO hosts say it’s a missed opportunity
Jun 21, 2026, 5:00 AM
The United States is celebrating its 250th birthday later this year, and to mark the occasion, the Trump administration is organizing a “Great American State Fair” that kicks off in late June and runs past the Fourth of July weekend.
Trump has described a two-week state fair as a “modern-day World’s Fair,” but not all states will be participating. Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington have all declined to participate.
“Washington State has decided they will not be participating,” KIRO host Jake Skorheim said. “They cite various reasons. I would have more respect for them if they just said we’re crossing our arms and making a pouty face because we don’t like Trump and his politics, versus what they’re kind of saying, which is it’s just too expensive for us to send somebody.”
According to Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, participating in the “Great American State Fair” can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million.
“Our state is facing a very difficult fiscal situation,” Heck said in an official statement. “With that in mind, given the significant costs associated with participating in the Great American State Fair, we chose to focus on supporting local efforts here in Washington state for this very important commemoration.”
“I understand they’re in fiscal straits, but 43 of the 50 states are going to be there,” KIRO host Spike O’Neill said. “It’s interesting that the states that are leaving are all democratically governed states, except for one, Vermont, and the governor from Vermont is a Never Trumper.”
According to CNN, all states will still be represented, even the states choosing not to participate.
“Just say what you’re doing,” Jake said. “States with less money than us are showing up for this. Nobody has less money than us. Washington doesn’t have any money. It has more money than anyone, and yet it has no money to spend, because it’s a horribly run state, and it has zero money.”
“What if I bring it in for $150K? What if I go over there?” Spike asked. “Where do I send my pitch? We’re having smoked salmon. We’re having Kumamoto oysters on ice in the hot sun, that’ll be real safe and fresh. We’re having apple pie. Everything the state has to offer.”
“I can’t tell if you’re being facetious or if you’re agreeing with me that this is a missed opportunity for Washington,” Jake responded.
“It’s a horrible missed opportunity for Washington State,” Spike answered. “I’m in total agreement that they don’t have the courage of their convictions, blaming a budgetary shortfall.”
Watch the full discussion in the video above.
Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3
