Washington, DC – The US capital has been transformed to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary. Events are planned nationwide to mark two and a half centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The nationwide bash is dubbed the "semiquincentennial" — meaning half of 500.
President Donald Trump has promised a particularly noteworthy event this year, though the proceedings have been marred by a cavalcade of controversies. The first 50-year anniversary in 1826 was muted, but the 100th in 1876 featured the first world's fair. The modern template for a yearlong, cross-country celebration was set on the 200th anniversary in 1976.
One of the most scrutinized events is the UFC Freedom 250 fight on the White House lawn on Sunday. The timing coincides with Flag Day and Trump's 80th birthday. The event is staged by Dana White, CEO of UFC and a prominent Trump donor. A federal judge on Friday rejected an emergency petition to stop the fight, which alleged Trump was using government property to promote his private business interests.
Two government-backed nonprofits are organizing festivities: Freedom 250 (part of a White House task force) and America250 (a bipartisan organization created by Congress in 2016). Freedom 250 focuses on big marquee functions like the IndyCar race and World Cup Fan Zone, while America250 emphasizes community participation. Critics point to a lack of transparency in Freedom 250 and accuse it of serving Trump's political agenda.
The Great American State Fair has faced setbacks: after its musical lineup was announced in May, several artists dropped out, and states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington declined to participate. An Oregon spokesperson said the fair "is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented."
Trump canceled the concert, replacing it with a "Rally to end all Rallies," where he will give a speech. Country musician Lee Greenwood, tenor Christopher Macchio, and several military bands are also included in the lineup.
Source: www.aljazeera.com