SouthernWorldwide.com – A devoted resident of Massachusetts has stepped forward to represent her state at the Great American State Fair after the state’s governor and other Democratic leaders opted to boycott the event.
The boycott was reportedly a protest against former President Donald Trump. However, this patriotic citizen decided to take a stand, ensuring Massachusetts had a presence at the national celebration.
Donna Festinger, a former teacher, personally funded her trip from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C. She felt it was crucial to fill the void left by her state’s leadership.
“I came here to represent Massachusetts because I didn’t want the public to walk into an empty room. I wanted somebody to be there,” Festinger stated, expressing her commitment to the event.
Festinger is now staffing the Massachusetts booth at the Great American State Fair, held on the National Mall. This event is part of the Freedom 250 initiative, which aligns with Trump’s vision and runs from June 25 to July 10.
She conveyed her profound disappointment with the governments of Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts for their decision not to support the celebration of American heritage.
“I’m very disappointed that Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts decided — their governments decided not to support this effort to celebrate our American heritage,” Festinger said. “It’s actually shameful.”
Her sentiment extended to the leadership of her own state, particularly Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat with a well-documented history of public disagreements with Trump.
“It makes me feel like they really don’t love America or Massachusetts — my governor,” she remarked, clearly critical of Healey’s stance.
Festinger, who arrived at the event when it commenced, plans to remain for its entire 16-day duration. Her personal investment underscores her dedication to the principle of national unity and pride.
She believes that such events have the power to unite people from diverse political backgrounds, fostering a shared sense of national pride.
“And so that’s actually uniting people, Democrats, Republicans, independents, and agreeing that every state should be proud of our country,” Festinger speculated about the fair’s potential impact.
Festinger also offered a positive view of the Trump administration’s efforts, suggesting they are actively working towards national cohesion.
“I think the Trump administration is working hard to bring the country together,” she added.
Meanwhile, Governor Maura Healey has been vocal in her criticism of the fair. In an interview with Boston Public Radio, she appeared to mock the event.
When questioned about welcoming Trump to Massachusetts, Healey reportedly quipped that the president was “too busy with his Great American State Fair down there that everybody’s bailing on.”
Furthermore, Healey made accusations, without providing evidence, that Trump was using the fair to enrich himself. She also inaccurately claimed that participating states were being charged fees for their involvement.
Festinger’s efforts at the Massachusetts booth have recently received support from another concerned resident, Judith Kalaora.
Kalaora, a Boston resident, appeared at the state’s stand dressed in a striking Revolutionary War uniform. She chose to honor Deborah Sampson, a notable figure from Massachusetts who famously disguised herself as a man to fight in the war.
“I’m hopeful that my being here will unite folks to realize that Boston and Massachusetts have a great spirit, and that that spirit can unite the United States through our nation’s heritage and through our military history,” Kalaora expressed her aspirations.
She emphasized her belief in the significant achievements of the United States over its 250-year history, comparing them favorably to those of other nations over longer periods.
“I believe that the United States, in 250 years, has accomplished many more achievements than other nations have accomplished in 400 and 500 years,” Kalaora stated.
A total of eleven states, all governed by Democrats, chose not to participate in the Great American State Fair.
Some of these states cited explicitly anti-Trump sentiments as their reason for declining. For example, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, pointed to what he described as Trump’s “politicization of America 250 activities.”
The leadership in Oregon echoed a similar sentiment, though they did not directly name Trump in their statement.
“The State of Oregon will not be participating in the Great American State Fair due to both the cost of participating in the Fair and growing concerns that the event in Washington, D.C. is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented,” a statement from Democrat Governor Tina Kotek’s office read.
Despite the boycotts and political controversy, Kalaora remains optimistic about the future and the enduring spirit of the nation.
“Times change, and emotions change, and that’s okay, as long as we still remember that we’ve done great things,” she reflected.
“I’m happy to be here.”
