The Great American State Fair, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, being held in Washington, will feature a booth from Ohio, put together by the governor’s office.
The booth, which has the theme “Ohio, The Heart of it All” to align with the state’s travel and tourism slogan, will occupy a space of 25 feet by 30 feet. It will include information on state parks and Gov. Mike DeWine’s commitment to childhood development, according to Lisa Peterson, director of communications in the governor’s office.
“We’re going to showcase all the places we can fit into the space of places to experience,” Peterson said. “State parks, points of interest, and demonstrating that Ohio is a place where kids thrive. Innovation is in our DNA. Ohioans can live their best life.”
Peterson said the booth will highlight in particular Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and feature a video of the governor, the state’s first lady and lieutenant governor playing on loop.
The Great American State Fair, organized by Freedom 250, is a 16-day exposition that will be displayed on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10. It will include over 150 displays from all 56 U.S. states and territories, which will celebrate “the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth,” according to the Freedom 250 website.
The governor’s office began the planning process for the booth in February, shortly after the Great American State Fair was announced, Peterson said.
The planning effort has been led by the governor’s office but has included “cross-agency involvement” with the state’s Transportation, Natural Resources and Travel and Tourism departments, Peterson said.
The elements will be moved in this weekend as the start of the event approaches. After the event concludes, Ohio’s booth will be displayed at the Ohio State Fair beginning July 29, so Ohioans can view it without traveling to Washington, Peterson said.
Dispatch Reporter Lilli Malone can be reached at lmalone@dispatch.com or on Instagram at @lillimwrites.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What will Ohio have at its Great American State Fair booth?
Reporting by Lilli Malone, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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By Lilli Malone, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
