One of President Donald Trump’s signature plans for celebrating the country’s 250th birthday is the “Great American State Fair,” a 16-day showcase on the National Mall meant to feature every state and territory. But days before the event is set to begin, several states have declined to participate.
At least eight states—Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Maine, Oregon, Washington, and Pennsylvania—have said they will not take part in the fair, according to statements from state officials or comments to media outlets.
The reasons vary. Some states have cited budget concerns, while others have declined without offering a detailed explanation, even as they pledged to hold their own in-state celebrations.
“Whether represented by a governor’s office, a tourism board, or a beloved state company or organization, every community will be celebrated, and every American will see themselves in this once-in-a-generation event,” a spokesperson for Freedom 250, a federal taskforce organizing the celebration, said in a statement.
The fair, organizers say, will “showcase the very best of America” through more than 150 exhibits put on by the 56 states and territories. Trump has described the fair—which will begin on June 25—as “an enormous year-long nationwide celebration of our heritage.” Another planned event—a UFC fight on the White House grounds—has caused controversy.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey’s office confirmed to TIME that the state would not be attending, but declined to provide a reason for the decision.
Healey, a Democrat and frequent critic of Trump, has expressed frustration with the President’s handling of the anniversary celebrations, particularly the expectation that states pay to participate.
In an interview with Boston Public Radio, Healey said Trump is “too busy with his Great American State Fair down there that everybody’s bailing on… He invited all the states to participate and wants to ch
