Families from all over the country came to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, not just by looking back on its history, but by making new memories.
John Schneider, actor and country music star, performed Wednesday night at the fair, bringing the crowd to tears with his song about Charlie Kirk. In an interview with the Washington Examiner, he said events like these remind people that the American community is built through patriotism.
“They have pride in their country, in their state, in their city, in their town, in their neighborhood,” Schneider said. “And that’s where strong countries come from. Strong countries are only made up of the strong people who live in them.”
John Schneider speaks with Washington Examiner at the Great American State Fair on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. (Amy DeLaura/Washington Examiner)
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Through Schneider’s work as co-founder of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, he has learned firsthand that community is an important element for our country.
“When there’s a child who is sick, a child who is ill. How the neighborhood comes together to help the family,” Schneider said. “People don’t talk about that much anymore.”
Schneider feels it’s important to teach children the power of staying true to their beliefs even when they may be in the minority.
“You don’t have to look at the news and wonder what in the world is going on, kind of on an island,” Schneider said. “You’ve got friends. You’ve got people who agree with you.”
For families attending, the fair serves as more than just one night of entertainment. It’s another chance to celebrate their love of America.
“This country is beautiful because of its people,” said Roxanna, a mother visiting from Maryland with her family. “We are all striving to be better.”
She said she hopes she can instill her love for America into her young son as well.
THUNDERBIRDS TO RACE CARS: INSIDE HORSEPOWER OF AMERICA AT THE GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR
“He wants to be the president,” Roxanna said. “I don’t even need to tell him that. He’s like, ‘One day, Mommy, I want to be president.’ So we will see about that.”
The Great American State Fair runs until July 10.
