Cowboys and enchanting scenery showcased from TX, OK, NM, HI, and AK at the Great American State Fair 

(Editor’s note: A series on The Great American State Fair, held in Washington, D.C., in honor of America’s 250th birthday, written by Heartlander News interns.)

From eye-catching murals and stunning photography to quintessential cowboys and familiar tunes, the Southwest and Pacific booths of the Great American State Fair showcased the diverse spirit of Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska.

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma booth welcomed guests with a large sunrise backdrop labeled “from sunrise” and, on the opposite wall, a vibrant image of the galaxy read “to the stars.”

Several murals highlighted various state characteristics. A Route 66 sign filled one corner of the booth, paying homage to the 100-year anniversary of “The Mother Road.” A cowboy boot and buffalo statues occupied two other corners, nodding to the state’s history. Artist Taylor Clark’s notable statue depicted a basketball, complete with the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team colors and logo.

Texas

Actors portraying cowboys greeted guests visiting the Texas booth and directed them to a photo opportunity with a giant “Big Tex” statue. The booth also featured an interactive screen that helped guests plan their own road trip through the state. A neon-lit stereo blasted some of the biggest country hits by some of today’s top performers.

Along the back wall, a backdrop of The Alamo immersed people in some of the state’s rich history. In the final corner, guests could also step into a space shuttle simulator – a nod to Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

New Mexico

The New Mexico booth embraced its nickname as “The Land of Enchantment” with imagery of the vast deserts, lakes and forests found throughout the state. Tabletop maps helped guests visualize the state’s geography. One corner also featured a mural statue with two chile peppers, acknowledging the state’s role as “The Chile Capital of the World.” Chile peppers also hung throughout the booth for added decoration.

Hawaii and Alaska 

Hawaii and Alaska both stayed home from the Great American State Fair, but the fair still provided a booth with backdrop images of state highlights and a table with workers to stamp passports for guests.

On the Hawaii side, a backdrop featured palm trees, wildlife, ocean images and a photo of Barack Obama, who was born in the island state. In front of the backdrop, a chair and Hawaiian-themed mat allowed guests to sit and take photos.

On the other side of the booth, Alaska’s backdrop featured the state’s silhouette, whales breaching, bald eagles in flight and a moose. The table for workers to stamp passports sat in front of the backdrop.

Opposite them, a map of the state hung on the wall along with several images and facts about the 49th state. Some pictures featured a musk ox and sled dogs, with explanations of the Iditarod – an annual 1,000-mile sled dog race across the state – and a summary of the Eskimos, a term for the Indigenous people of the Arctic.