Power outages and empty booths greet national birthday fair's opening

The Great American State Fair on the National Mall opened to celebrate the U.S. 250th birthday but faced problems, including power outages that halted a Ferris wheel and melted ice cream, and participation gaps with at least 10 states opting out due to costs, leaving some booths with only backdrops. Massachusetts residents even staffed their booth as volunteers to compensate. While some states, like Texas, Nevada, and California, showcased interactive exhibits, others struggled, and the fair closed early due to rain, underscoring a rough start to the celebration.