Extreme Heat Closes Great American State Fair on National Mall for U.S. 250th Anniversary

The Great American State Fair, a celebration for the 250th anniversary of the United States on the National Mall, was closed on Friday because of extreme heat and was postponed until 5 p. m., with security staff quickly evacuating the small remaining crowd.

“White House says there'd be 'no better addition' to Mount Rushmore than Trump ahead of 250 celebration Trump will deliver remarks at the famed national memorial on Friday night”

ABC News

Fox reporter Bill Melugin wrote on X that "El National Mall está cerrando y la Gran Feria Estatal Americana se pospone hasta las 5 p. m." and said the heat and humidity were "realmente se siente como una sauna al salir a la calle".

ABC News

The Mirror US en Español reported that on Thursday, when temperatures reached 100 °F (38 °C), there were reports of air-conditioning failures in some exhibitions.

Tom Foreman of CNN said the fair had experienced "problemas intermitentes de suministro eléctrico" and that air conditioners in some exhibitions had failed, after a similar power outage the day after the fair’s official opening caused frozen products to melt.

The Associated Press reported that as celebrations for the 250th anniversary ramped up across the country, authorities warned people to stay hydrated and rest in air-conditioned places when necessary, as extreme heat affected parts of the planned program.

As President Donald Trump traveled toward Mount Rushmore in South Dakota for remarks and fireworks, record heat and a severe thunderstorm disrupted the schedule, including shelter-in-place orders for visitors.

USA Today reported that at Mount Rushmore, celebrants had to shelter in place after the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning that included ping pong ball-sized hail, with the warning forecast to expire around 5:30 p.m. MT before Trump’s scheduled landing.

Associated Press

USA Today also described how organizers were preparing a uniquely patriotic countdown in New York City, with the Times Square ball set to be dropped eight times over the next 24 hours, once the clock strikes midnight in each U.S. time zone.

ABC News quoted White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers saying, "There would be no better addition to the iconic Mount Rushmore than the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump," ahead of Trump’s speech at 8:30 p.m. local time.

NBC News said Trump boarded Air Force One just after 6 p.m. ET and was headed to South Dakota for his speech, while another shelter-in-place warning was issued at Mount Rushmore as hail fell and the preshow was halted and paused.

Across Washington, D.C., and other locations, heat forced cancellations and schedule changes for America’s 250th celebrations, including the Great American State Fair being temporarily closed on the National Mall and Philadelphia canceling its Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade.

“WASHINGTON — On the National Mall this week, Freedom 250 signs pointed visitors toward temporary state pavilions, a Ferris wheel and mobile, transitory history exhibits”

CNBC

NBC News reported that tomorrow’s Fourth of July programming at the Freedom 250 fair was delayed because of extreme heat in Washington, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and programming beginning at 7 p.m., followed by Trump speaking at 9:45 p.m. and fireworks at 10:30 p.m.

NBC News quoted a joint statement saying, "The safety and well-being of every guest remains our top priority" and that Freedom 250, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinated to adjust event timing and expand cooling resources, water stations, and medical support.

El País described a security operation for the 250th anniversary that would cover the Capitol Hill and Palisades parades, activities on the National Mall, the Great American State Fair, the Washington Nationals game, and the traditional fireworks display, while also preparing for possible demonstrations against President Donald Trump.

El País added that Clint Osborn warned temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38°C) were expected from July 1 through July 4, and that the FBI assured that, for the moment, there was no credible threat against the July 4 celebrations while it maintained permanent monitoring throughout all events.