(KMDL-FM) Saturday, July 4, 2026, the United States of America will celebrate its "250th Birthday". America250 is the theme, and all over the fruited plains of this great nation, people are celebrating. In Washington DC, our nation's capital, the Great American State Fair is underway, and Louisiana has a pavilion on the midway.

Al Drago, Getty Images
Al Drago, Getty Images
Al Drago, Getty Images

I guess midway is the proper term in keeping with the "state fair" vernacular. It's actually on the National Mall. Louisiana's display, along with displays from the other 49 states, has been erected so guests can learn more about what makes each state different and perhaps gain a better understanding of what makes us all the same.

The Alabama Pavilion Must Really Suck - at Least One Politician Hates It

Not all of these pavilions are created equal, which seems to fly in the face of the whole July 4th theme, but Alabama's display seems to be the worst. Don't take my word for it; take the word of Craig Lipscomb. He's a representative from Gadsden, Alabama, and he seems genuinely annoyed. You can see his Facebook Review, here.

As for the Bayou State, we are presenting Louisiana NOW.

Al Drago, Getty Images
Al Drago, Getty Images
Al Drago, Getty Images

You might be asking, I know I was, what is Louisiana NOW? Here's your answer:

Louisiana NOW represents a new era of competitiveness grounded in execution. We are no longer preparing to win. We are winning—at a level that positions Louisiana among the nation’s most competitive environments for business investment, job creation and long-term opportunity.

That's the verbiage that is on the Louisiana Economic Development website. I, for one, am all for it. I love bragging about our state. We do have a lot to offer, and even though attendance at the Great American State Fair appears to be falling below estimates, I think a lot of people will still learn a little more about us.

Here is a snapshot of the schedule:

opportunitylouisiana.gov
opportunitylouisiana.gov
opportunitylouisiana.gov

Unfortunately, our graphic is not interactive, nor is the graphic on the Opportunity Louisiana website. But there was a note saying the schedule was subject to change, and perhaps that's why a more specific list of events and presentations wasn't available.

What Are the Featured Exhibits for Louisiana at the Great American State Fair?

But it does look as if our state's exhibit will focus on our incredible small business climate on July 3rd, our unique Louisiana products on July 5th, and on July 6th it certainly seems as if we're going to invite "company" to come over for a visit.

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Like a lot of you, I am unable to travel to Washington, DC for the event. And in case you couldn't go but wanted to see inside, here is a glimpse of some of what you'll see if you get the chance to visit the exhibit. This courtesy of Louisiana Economic Development and their social media.

In a nutshell, what "fairgoers" will see are displays touting Louisiana as a tourist destination. We are, we know it, y'all come see us. There are also displays highlighting Louisiana products, and not just food, but the food is good; y'all come see us.

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Some exhibits tout Louisiana as a business and industry leader, a military and defense hub, and you better believe they did not leave Mardi Gras or our other festivals out of this pavilion. Our state does have a lot to offer, and I think what we've got is worth showing off.

10 Most Common Cajun Last Names in Louisiana

Below are the 10 most common Cajun and Creole last names in Louisiana, and how many residents share that last name in our state. You can view the entire top 100 most common last names in Louisiana over at forbears.com.

Gallery Credit: Michael Scott

 

 

 

 

 

 

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