Scorching heat pushed organizers to shut down the Great American State Fair on Washington’s National Mall Friday afternoon. Freedom250 said the event would reopen at 5:00 p.m., after conditions were expected to improve.
On Friday afternoon, visitors at the Great American State Fair on Washington’s National Mall were abruptly told to leave as temperatures climbed.
D.C. hit 100 degrees for the second straight day, and organizers temporarily closed the fair. Freedom250—the organization behind the event—said the decision was made to protect the safety and well-being of guests. volunteers. performers. vendors. and staff. made in coordination with public safety officials.
In a post on X. Freedom250 said. “The safety and well-being of our guests. volunteers. performers. vendors. and staff is our highest priority. Conditions are expected to improve later this afternoon, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back at 5:00 p.m. as preparations continue for this evening’s festivities.”.
The pause came with clear instructions to fairgoers. A video shared on X by C-SPAN captured an announcement over event speakers: “Attention fairgoers, the event has been postponed. We will reopen at 5 p.m. Please refer to Freedom250 social media for updates. Please proceed to the nearest exit.”
The fair’s closure rippled through the area just as people were settling in for the day. With conditions expected to improve later Friday, organizers said they planned to reopen at 5:00 p.m. as preparations continued for that evening’s festivities.
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