WHEREAS, on July 4, 1776, the United States of America was born of bold ideas and enduring convictions— "that all men are created equal, [and] that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” truths that continue to guide our great Republic; and

WHEREAS, public celebrations across our nation have long served to reaffirm our shared commitment to liberty, justice, and equality before the law; and

WHEREAS, the 1876 Centennial Exposition and the 1976 Bicentennial Exposition brought Americans together in remembrance of our national heritage and future promise; and

WHEREAS, while our country prepares to mark the 250^th anniversary of its founding on July 4, 2026, communities across the nation are called to celebrate democracy with unity and patriotism; and

WHEREAS, state fairs, longstanding and beloved American traditions, serve as vibrant expressions of civic pride, where neighbors gather to honor agriculture, culture, creativity, and the enduring spirit of the American people; and

WHEREAS, all state fairs are called upon to serve as patriotic centers of celebration for America 250, enriching their 2025 events with historic patriotism and tributes to the founding spirit of our nation; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia proudly answers that call, inspiring Virginians to form a more perfect union through our own cherished tradition–the State Fair of Virginia, established in 1854, a treasured symbol of our cultural and agricultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, the State Fair of Virginia connects generations through its celebration of community, education, and innovation, and will showcase competitions, concerts, midway rides, and fair food from Friday, September 26, through Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, from livestock shows to 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) competitions, culinary and arts competitions to ribbon-winning produce, let each exhibit reflect the liberty and grit that forged a nation, reminding all who gather: America was Made in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, let our rural communities, youth exhibitors, and family farms take center stage in this moment, celebrating the people, traditions, beliefs, values, and history that built our Commonwealth and continue to sustain our nation; and

WHEREAS, every Semiquincentennial celebration elevates the memory of our nation’s patriots, past and present, as a beacon for tomorrow’s leaders, honoring 250 years of America in the place that made it all possible—Virginia;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia, proclaim that the State Fair of Virginia will proudly celebrate our nation’s history, agriculture, and traditions. I encourage every local and county fair to rise to the occasion, joining together in a vibrant, unified movement that honors our heritage, celebrates our communities, and inspires future generations with the enduring spirits of our great Commonwealth and the United States of America!