People attend the “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The Freedom 250-backed event was temporarily shut down Friday due to extreme heat. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
The Great American State Fair was temporarily shut down Friday due to extreme heat as temperatures in Washington, D.C., reached 100 degrees.
Freedom 250 announced Friday afternoon that the event on the National Mall was suspended until 5 p.m. Friday due to the heat, which reached 100 degrees at 2 p.m. Friday with a heat index of 111.
“The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and staff is our highest priority. Conditions are expected to improve later this afternoon, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back at 5:00 p.m. as preparations continue for this evening’s festivities,” Freedom 250 said on social media just before 1:30 p.m.
A follow-up post confirmed the gates would reopen at 5 p.m.
Friday evening’s events at the fair include performances by Hugo Castillo, Mickey Smith Jr. and Grace Moody Miller.
“Complimentary water distribution stations will be available throughout the fair site, with food and beverages available for purchase,” organizers wrote.
