These states were reported as not taking part in the Great American State Fair: Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii. Different reports grouped the opt-outs slightly differently, but those are the states identified across the coverage.

What’s being reported

Some outlets said at least six to eight states had declined official participation, while later reporting added Pennsylvania and Hawaii in separate lists of states not providing funding or not joining. The main reasons given were cost and concerns that the event felt too partisan.

Quick scoop

The fair still aimed to represent every state and territory in some form, even where state governments chose not to send an official delegation.

TL;DR: the most consistently named non-participating states are Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington, with Maine, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii also appearing in broader coverage.