A life-size cutout of Gov. Kay Ivey, surrounded by pictures of state landmarks, greets visitors to “Sweet Home Alabama” at the Great American State Fair in Washington.
Nestled in one of the long, white portable buildings dotting the National Mall for America’s 250th celebration, Alabama’s pavilion spotlights “where tradition meets innovation.”
Stay updated on stories like this — Get news delivered to your inbox
Scenes from around Alabama cover the booth’s temporary walls, featuring the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Dexter Avenue Baptist Church and Gulf Shores, among other Alabama classics like Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q. Easels holding smaller posters highlight the state’s parks, industries and history.
If there was any question about who sponsored Alabama’s pavilion, look no further than the left corner, where a cutout of Ivey proudly smiling stands tall.
“From agricultural heritage to pivotal moments in the civil rights movement, Alabama has redefined liberty and equality in America,” Ivey said in a statement.
The Alabama Tourism Department is manning the pavilion, touting the places that make the southern state unique, alongside interns from Alabama’s congressional offices sitting at the booth’s desk during the week.
Steady flow of visitors
On Monday (June 29), Alabama had a steady flow of visitors milling about the booth, getting their replica passports stamped, and grabbing stickers. Other states had more extensive displays, which drew lines outside the door, such as a replica Beg Tex in the Texas booth and free caramel popcorn from Tennessee, luring patrons inside their small section of the fair.
The National Mall event has all the trappings of a traditional fair, complete with a large Ferris wheel, rodeo, live animals and ice-cold lemonade.
Federal agencies are also represented at the fair, with the Department of War garnering the biggest crowd.
The temporary nature of the fair was apparent everywhere, from the white neoclassical buildings with columns that seemed to float and nearly vacant food booths lacking the promised offerings.
During a Monday afternoon, visitors breezed through security with little to no wait and did not have to fight massive crowds to explore the fair’s experiences honoring 250 years of history.
The Great American State Fair is free to visit and will run through July 10 on the National Mall, with each day honoring a new theme.
Full story.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Alex Angle and originally published by Alabama Daily News.
Share with others: