By Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice
OKLAHOMA CITY – The state expects to spend $145,000 to operate its Oklahoma-centric booth at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.
While final costs aren’t yet available, the Oklahoma 250 Commission budgeted $80,000 for booth design and equipment, $15,000 for shipping and $50,000 for travel costs related to the 16-day event celebrating the country’s semisquincentennial, according to the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation.
A $250,000 legislative appropriation, a $10,000 federal grant and private donations were used to cover the cost, the agency said.
States were invited to create and operate booths on the National Mall showcasing their culture, history and achievements. The Oklahoma City Thunder, which won the 2025 NBA championship, was one of the organizations highlighted in Oklahoma’s booth, which remains open until the event ends on Friday.
Visitors were given passports to collect stamps from the state booths they entered.
Some states chose not to take part in the Trump administration’s Freedom250 event, citing the costsassociated.
“A large majority of all 50 states and five territories chose to participate in the Great American State Fair,” said Taylor Nelson, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. “Oklahoma was one of many states who recognized the tremendous opportunity to be represented on an international stage in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity during the celebration of America’s 250th birthday.”
Nelson said 17 people were sent to Washington, D.C., to work the event, including two commissioners are agency employees, Nelson said.
Nelson said while other states hired local staffing companies to work their booths, “Oklahoma saw the value in sending Oklahomans to Washington D.C. to staff the Oklahoma booth.”
Editor’s note: The story was updated at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday to correct incorrect information provided concerning employees sent to staff the event.
