AUGUSTA, Maine —Maine will not participate in President Donald Trump’s “Great American State Fair,” joining several other states that have declined invitations to the event.A spokesperson for the Maine Office of Tourism said the office is unable to take part because of scheduling demands during the state’s peak travel season.
“The Maine Office of Tourism is unable to participate in the event due to the Office’s busy summer season,” the spokesperson said.
Officials from Illinois, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, and North Carolina also have declined invitations to participate.
Pennsylvania leaders have not yet decided whether the state will take part.
States have cited high costs and other priorities in declining the invitation. Oregon’s Democratic governor also raised concerns that the celebration appears to be taking on a partisan tone.
The event is scheduled to begin June 25 and run for about two weeks.
