The Great American State Fair that opened in D.C. this week appears to have drawn modest crowds on opening day, though Trump claimed 45,000 attended his speech. Multiple outlets reported seeing empty booths and quiet sections, though characterizations of attendance levels varied. Melania Trump was honored with a cow, an unusual tribute that became a notable element of the fair. The fair has drawn criticism for its partisan conservative theming and exclusion of some states, though organizers argue it's nonpartisan — and a Confederate flag briefly appeared in the North Carolina exhibit before being removed.