Here’s what Idaho is sending to Trump’s Great American State Fair
Idaho has packed its bags for Washington, D.C. — bringing along a life-size cow model, a river raft and a potato sack fit for Marilyn Monroe.
These displays are set to be featured in Idaho’s pavilion at the Great American State Fair, a 16-day event celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday. The celebration, backed by the Trump administration, has drawn criticism nationwide.
While some states have backed away from the event, which starts Thursday, Idaho is leaning in.
The state plans to spend nearly $250,000 to showcase its rivers, agricultural heritage and growing technology sector, according to the governor’s office. Legislators approved the funding for America250-related celebrations during the 2025 session.
“The Great American State Fair is a celebration of the spirit, heritage, and ingenuity that have made America the greatest country in the world,” Gov. Brad Little wrote in an emailed statement to the Idaho Statesman. “Idaho looks forward to showcasing all that makes the Gem State special, from rugged landscapes to our rich Western heritage and the thriving industries that drive our economy.”
Rivers and recreation
One section of Idaho’s pavilion is designed to showcase the state’s landscapes and deep connection to its rivers.
On the left side of the pavilion, visitors will find an interactive river rafting prop and a screening of the Idaho Department of Commerce’s docuseries “The 3100,” named after Idaho’s 3,100 miles of whitewater rivers.
Potato sacks and a life-size milking cow
The center of the exhibit celebrates Idaho’s agricultural roots.
Visitors can milk a life-size model cow and play an interactive trivia game about Idaho’s commodities, created by the Idaho Department of Agriculture and the Idaho State Museum.
A potato sack designed by Idaho-born designer Cartier Dior Eliasen as a wink to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic 1951 look will also be featured in the pavilion alongside a photo op.
Potato chips to microchips
The right side of the pavilion highlights that Idaho is “more than just potatoes,” according to the governor’s office, featuring displays representing the state’s economy and research ventures.
Micron, Simplot and the Idaho National Laboratory will be front and center, against a backdrop of the Idaho State Capitol.
What will it cost?
The $250,000 authorized by lawmakers for the celebration is being used for exhibit construction, staffing and travel.
The Idaho Department of Agriculture will staff the pavilion throughout 16 days, with four employees on hand at all times to answer questions about Idaho and engage with visitors.
A divided celebration
Organized by Freedom 250, the Great American State Fair is a public-private partnership between the Trump administration and several outside sponsors — a structure some of the event’s critics point to as a signal the event may not be as nonpartisan as it has been marketed.
While all 50 states have been invited to decorate a pavilion, not every state plans to participate.
As of Monday, six Democratic-led states and several musical acts have opted out of the Great American State Fair, including Oregon and Washington.
“The State of Oregon will not be participating in the Great American State Fair due to the cost of participating in the fair and growing concerns that the event in Washington, D.C., is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented,” a spokesperson for Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement to Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Washington Lt. Gov. Denny Heck pointed to cost as Washington’s main reason for stepping back, saying that the “significant costs associated with participating in the Great American State Fair” led the state to instead focus on local efforts to commemorate the anniversary.
Despite those concerns, Idaho officials say the fair presents a unique opportunity to showcase the state to a national audience during the country’s 250th birthday celebration.
“Idaho is proud to partner in this once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Little said.