“The Great American State Fair” opened on Washington’s National Mall on Thursday, marking the start of a 16-day series of events commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary. The festivities, which include a 110-foot Ferris wheel, a rodeo demonstration, and a variety of traditional fair foods, aim to pay tribute to the summer state fairs held across the country.

The event stretches along a 1.5-mile promenade linking the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. Much of this area has been fenced off exclusively for the celebration. President Donald Trump initiated the event on Wednesday evening with a rally styled after his campaign events, following the withdrawal of several scheduled performers who cited concerns over the event’s politicization.

Speaking about the fair, one visitor from Ohio, who identified herself only as Ashley, described the event as a unifying celebration of the nation’s history. “We are here to just celebrate America, a long journey that she has had,” she said. Visitors have expressed excitement over attractions such as the Ferris wheel, which offers aerial views of the National Mall.

The fair is one among several nationwide events leading up to July 4, which commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The temporary pavilions lining the Mall are designed to echo the community spirit emblematic of state fairs, known for displays of homemade crafts and agricultural achievements.

Contrasting these temporary structures are several ongoing permanent alterations to Washington’s landscape under the Trump administration. These include plans to remove the East Wing of the White House to construct a large ballroom, a rushed renovation of the National Reflecting Pool, and a proposed 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery.

While the fair has attracted attendees adorned with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” merchandise, political divisions have been apparent. A recent national poll revealed that a majority of Americans — including 75% of Democrats and 50% of Republicans — perceive the anniversary celebrations as overly politicized. Reflecting this divide, seven states governed by Democrats chose not to send official delegations. Organizers of the event, led by the Freedom 250 partnership, maintain that all 50 states are represented in the festivities.

Freedom 250 is a collaborative effort between the White House and multiple federal agencies to coordinate the country’s semiquincentennial celebrations. Plans also include what U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum described as “the greatest and biggest celebration of fireworks ever” for the July 4 holiday week. The extent of attendance and public reception in the coming days remains to be seen.