A Massachusetts woman traveled to Washington D.C. at her own expense to staff her state’s booth at the Great American State Fair after Democrat Gov. Maura Healey refused to participate, calling the decision to boycott the celebration of American history “shameful.”
Citizen Steps In After State Leadership Abandons Post
Donna Festinger, a former teacher from Massachusetts, paid her own way to the nation’s capital to ensure her state had representation at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. The 16-day event, running from June 25 through July 10, celebrates 250 years of American independence as part of the Freedom 250 commemoration. Festinger committed to manning the booth for the entire duration after learning Massachusetts leadership decided not to participate.
“I came here to represent Massachusetts because I didn’t want the public to walk into an empty room,” Festinger told reporters. She directed sharp criticism at state leadership, particularly Gov. Healey, saying the boycott made her feel like they “really don’t love America or Massachusetts.” Festinger expressed disappointment that Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts governments all declined to support the celebration of American heritage.
Governor Mocks Event While Citizen Serves
Gov. Healey appeared on Boston Public Radio and mocked the fair, claiming without providing evidence that President Trump was using the event to “get money into his own pocket.” She falsely stated that states were being charged to participate. Healey suggested Trump was “too busy with his Great American State Fair down there that everybody’s bailing on.” The governor has maintained a contentious relationship with the Trump administration throughout his presidency.
Judith Kalaora, a Boston resident, later joined Festinger at the Massachusetts booth dressed in a Revolutionary War uniform to honor Deborah Sampson, a Massachusetts woman who disguised herself as a man to fight the British. Kalaora expressed hope that her presence would unite people and showcase Massachusetts’ great spirit and military history.
Eleven Democrat States Skip National Celebration
Eleven states with Democrat governors decided not to participate in the fair. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker cited Trump’s “politicization of America 250 activities” as his reason. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s office released a statement mentioning both cost concerns and claims that the event was becoming “a more partisan affair than originally presented.” Festinger believes the state boycotts actually unite Americans across political lines, suggesting most people remain upset about governors refusing to celebrate the country.
What This Means
The contrast between citizen participation and government boycott highlights divisions over how America should commemorate its founding. Festinger maintains the Trump administration is working to bring the country together, while participating citizens demonstrate that celebrating American history transcends partisan politics. The absence of nearly a dozen states from a national celebration raises questions about whether elected officials accurately represent their constituents’ patriotic sentiments.