Colossal statues, ‘freedom’ train & patriot games…Inside Trump’s epic plan for Great American Fair to showcase US might
DONALD Trump is planning a "Great American State Fair" to celebrate the country's 250th birthday in 2026.
Use the interactive map below to find out about what attractions could be at the mega MAGA event.
Trump floated plans to showcase America's greatness in its true sense - packed in a year-long grand festival to mark the country's anniversary in a grand style.
Trump, who led his 2024 election campaign on the promise to make America great again, will take this opportunity to portray the country's might in the most patriotic way.
It was just a year ago when he called all Americans to prepare for the Great American State Fair - a gigantic carnival of joy that would mark America's 250th birthday in true Trump fashion.
Watch Trump's tub-thumping speech about this celebration below...
Various contingents could take part in a grand parade in front of millions of people visiting the fair - and Trump could build a "National Garden of American Heroes” with statues of important figures in American history.
This may include giant structures of George Washington, Neil Armstrong, and Muhammad Ali.
The fair, dubbed as a true "Trump event", will be heavy on patriotic themes and state planning.
He may set up massive stalls featuring McDonald's and KFC inside what could be the "All American Food Court" to showcase the country's soft power through its signature fast food.
A large steam-powered train engine dubbed the "Freedom Train" could run through the fairground to kick in the sense of patriotism.
Each train could have its own special red, white and blue paint scheme, displaying Americana and related historical artefacts.
The idea was first proposed In the early 1970s by Ross Rowland Jr., a young steam locomotive engineer, to celebrate the Bicentennial of the American Revolution.
It was a travelling exhibition of unique and representative artefacts from the 200-year history of the nation.
I will work with all 50 governors, Republican and Democrat alike, to create the Great American State Fair, a unique one-year exhibition featuring pavilions from all 50 states
Donald Trump
Trump could set up a pavilion called "The World of the Future" to showcase America's most innovative inventions in the field of Tech and Science.
And given Trump and Elon Musk's increasing bromance, they may partner up to showcase world-class driverless cars from the future and the latest developments in AI.
Trump has shared a vision with Musk to put America at the top of the race when it comes to technology.
He plans to ramp up America's efforts to come up with the most unique innovations in every field - especially in the defence sector - and all of it could be showcased at the grand fair.
Trump has also pitched the idea to invite many dignitaries from across the world to strengthen American foreign ties.
And given his unpredictable nature, he might extend the invite to leaders of the states that oppose the US.
This could include North Korea's Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin.
Trump appears to be serious about the year-long mega bash after repeated pitches.
He said his first act as president after he’s sworn in on January 20 will be appointing a task force to plan and execute what he called "Salute to America 250” in the huge Iowa fairgrounds.
"On day one I will convene a White House task force called ‘Salute to America 250'," he said.
"The task force will organize a year of festivities [of the fair] from May 26, 2025, to July 4, 2026."
Trump is seen below surrounded by fans and the media at the last Iowa State Fair.
Trump said he would work with all the nation’s governors to create pavilions for each state at the Iowa State Fairgrounds — for the year-long expo.
"I will work with all 50 governors, Republican and Democrat alike, to create the Great American State Fair, a unique one-year exhibition featuring pavilions from all 50 states," he said.
And he plans to welcome “millions and millions from around the world” to attend.
“My hope is that the amazing people of Iowa will work with my administration to open up the legendary Iowa State Fairgrounds to host the Great American State Fair," Trump added.
"Together, we will welcome millions and millions of visitors from around the world to the heartland of America for this special one-time festival.
“I will ask America’s great religious communities to pray for our nation and our people as we prepare for this momentous occasion.”
Iowa's governor Kim Reynolds, seen below, said her state is ready to host the 250th birthday bash on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
"We know the Iowa State Fair is the best fair in the country! In Iowa, we dream big, and we stand ready to host the Great American State Fair!" Reynolds posted on X.
Her post features a 2023 video with Trump proposing the event idea.
Trump has visited the Iowa State Fair several times in the last few years.
He held a rally on the fairgrounds in October of 2021.
And in 2016, Trump spoke at a fundraiser for Senator Joni Ernst that was held in the livestock pavilion.
Trump’s first visit was in 2015 - where he was pictured eating a pork chop on a stick and giving a thumbs-up to fair-goers.
He flew his helicopter over the fairgrounds, then walked through the throngs of fair-goers on the same day Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were at the fair.
He was pictured smiling with fans at the fair - one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the US.
In 2023, Trump visited the State Fair on the same day as Republican rival Ron DeSantis, who was pictured shaking hands with fair-goers.
During his visit, Trump stopped at the Iowa Pork Producers’ grill, walked down the fair’s Grand Concourse and spoke to supporters who’d gathered inside a beer hall.
