A 72-year-old retired teacher, Donna Festinger, drove nine hours from western Massachusetts to the nation’s capital to ensure her state was represented at the Great American State Fair. She brought 300 miniature maple syrup bottles and children’s coloring books to help stock the state’s booth.
Grassroots Efforts Fill the Void
Massachusetts is one of several states, including Connecticut, North Carolina, Illinois, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington, without an official state-run presence at the event. Volunteers, nonprofits, and local organizations have stepped in to fill the void. The Peoria Riverfront Museum, for example, is operating Illinois’ booth.
Festinger assembled the Massachusetts booth in just three days after learning the state would not fully participate in the fair. She spent her days greeting visitors at the Massachusetts exhibit from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Every state has some form of representation at the fair, whether through official participation or the efforts of local volunteers, business owners, and community groups.
Controversy and Community
The grassroots efforts have produced both heartwarming stories and controversy. A Confederate flag displayed on a screen in North Carolina’s booth sparked backlash and led to the removal of the image. Some booths remain mainly empty, while others have been transformed into showcases of state products and culture.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
