Today the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) announced that it has been designated by the Government of Guam as the lead agency for Guam’s participation in the Great American State Fair and will join representatives of the 50 American states and five other U.S. territories at the event in our nation’s capital this month. The 16-day carnival-style celebration of America’s 250th birthday will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. from June 25 through July 10.
The event is billed as “a world-class exposition and modern-day World’s Fair celebrating the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth,” according to the freedom250.org website. The Fair will feature more than 150 exhibits, including presentations by businesses, innovators, industry, and civic organizations. It will also host movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, and cultural programming.
“While mainland history buffs recognize Guam’s WWII significance, we are ready to share a much larger story with the 4 million visitors expected at the Great American State Fair,” said GVB President & CEO, Regine Biscoe Lee. “Our pavilion offers an incredible opportunity to showcase our enduring 4,000-year-old CHamoru culture and invite guests to experience the beauty of our island home. We hope to inspire visitors to explore the American story in a new light and invite them to visit Guam—where America’s day begins.”
Plan and Purpose
Guam’s goals at the fair are threefold: (1) to share the island’s unique history and heritage through the lens of the island’s indigenous CHamoru culture, (2) to show our singular sense of place in U.S. geography as the point on the globe “Where America’s Day Begins,” and (3) to leverage this once-in-a-lifetime event as an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Guam as a destination of choice for US travelers while growing the North American market.
Participation in the Fair supports GVB’s efforts to expand awareness of Guam among U.S. travelers, diversify visitor arrivals, and strengthen the island’s visitor economy.
“Visitors can expect an immersive journey through 4,000 years of CHamoru culture—from vibrant dance performances and the taste of our local delicacies to our seafaring culture and ancient celestial navigation. We want every guest to leave our pavilion feeling the warmth of our island home and a deeper connection to our unique place in the American story,” Lee added.
Meeting the Moment
The theme of GVB’s Great American State Fair “Guam” pavilion is “Where America’s Day Begins,” and will feature Guam Product Seal items, Guam branding, and immersive cultural storytelling experiences. GVB will be joined by partners Kutturan CHamoru Foundation, Guma’ Imåhen Taotao Tåno’, and cultural representatives from the Guam community showcasing our island’s history and heritage.
The Guam pavilion will highlight the unique identity of Guam through rich, cultural dance demonstrations, sakman presentations, and exhibits featuring Guam’s history and its role in the American story.
The Guam pavilion will be open throughout the duration of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, welcoming visitors from across the country to experience Guam’s culture, history, and hospitality.
