GOP Senator Vows To Make Things Right After His State Drops Out Of ‘Great American Fair’

One of the most highly anticipated events connected to the ongoing America 250 celebration in the nation’s capital is the “Great American Fair,” which is designed to showcase what each of the 50 states contributes to the nation.

But in this age of deep partisan division, several Democrat-led states decided not to bother sending anyone to represent them in D.C.

And a Republican official in one of those states has promised to do something about it, as Breitbart reported:

Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) is stepping up to undo Gov. Josh Shapiro’s (D-PA) cancelation of Pennsylvania’s involvement in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.

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In a press release from McCormick, it was revealed that he and Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) were announcing “a coalition of Pennsylvania organizations” that will ensure that the state has a presence at the event organized by Freedom 250 —which runs from June 25-July 10. The announcement also came “after working in coordination” with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

The effort to ensure that Pennsylvania is represented at the Great American State Fair was also noted to be “made possible entirely through private partnerships” and without using taxpayer money.

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, PennAg Industries Association, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, along with The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) were revealed to have joined McCormick and Fetterman “in this effort.”

The bipartisan initiative attracted some praise on social media:

As a life-long Pennsylvanian, thank you both for being the adults in the room. Gov. Shapiro is an embarrassment, filled with true hate.

— tyrade (@arbut65625) June 28, 2026

Thank you all, for representing us here in Pennsylvania. I would not expect anything less from you all. I was so disheartened when I heard we were not represented by Our own Governor. How sad. People will remember!!!! Its about the people!
THANK YOU!!!

— LISA Puskas (@PuskasLisa39990) June 28, 2026

Two good men stepped forward to represent the great state of Pennsylvania!!! Shame on Shapiro for stiring up more partisan hatred. I’m proud of our country no matter who is President and I will celebrate our greatness with all USA Citizens.

— lindac@jfcstaffing.com (@lindacjfcs55258) June 28, 2026

Well Josh just did himself in!!! Thanks Dave and John…we belong there!!!!

— Cynthia (@CynH711) June 28, 2026

Here’s an excerpt from the statement posted to McCormick’s official congressional website:

“Pennsylvania is where America’s story began, and there was no way we were going to let the Commonwealth go unrepresented during our Nation’s 250th birthday celebration,” said Senator McCormick. “As the birthplace of American independence, home to the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, and the engine for the arsenal of democracy, Pennsylvania has a special responsibility to preserve, celebrate, and share that enduring legacy.”

“Celebrating America’s 250th birthday and Pennsylvania’s special role in our country is important and bipartisan. We discovered our Commonwealth wasn’t participating in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall and we should be,” said Senator Fetterman. “We are now making sure Pennsylvania’s booth will highlight the Commonwealth’s agriculture dominance, our businesses, and what makes PA a truly awesome and historic place.”

“Pennsylvania’s story is simply too important to be missing from our nation’s capital during America’s 250th birthday celebration. That’s why the PA Chamber is proud to partner with Senator McCormick and Senator Fetterman to lead the Pennsylvania Pavilion at the Great American State Fair. The Keystone State belongs front and center—and we’re excited to help showcase the people, businesses, and innovation that continue to shape America’s future,” said Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the PA Chamber.

Here’s some additional coverage of the ongoing celebration: