Great American State Fair spends a day focused on faith on National Mall

WASHINGTON (RNS) — A week into the 16-day Great American State Fair, gospel music could be heard in one section of the National Mall and rodeo calls on the other.

Bible verses were recited from one stage while songs like “Macho Man” played on the speakers elsewhere.

People grabbed fans from the Museum of the Bible exhibit table while others drank beer at a Budweiser bar.

“Faith, Values, and Inspiration” was the theme for Wednesday (July 1) at the fair, a project of Freedom 250, an organization that partnered with the White House to present a number of events to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The overall fair had a patriotic vibe with a gigantic Ferris wheel, a model of a triumphal arch and pavilions that included areas representing the country’s states and territories. A separate “Faith and Family” pavilion that is open throughout the fair included booths from ministries and organizations known for their focus on scripture, evangelism or conservative viewpoints.

Volunteers at the Museum of the Bible exhibit passed out fans and cooling towels as high temperatures prevailed outside. Signs at another booth, hosted by Revival Ministries International, a…