Washington, D.C -- June 29, 2026: A Confederate flag image was removed from a privately organized North Carolina exhibit at the Great American State Fair after it drew criticism from Governor Josh Stein and others.
The Great American State Fair is part of the nationwide America250 celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Unlike many states participating in the event, North Carolina did not sponsor an official state exhibit. State officials previously said they declined to participate because of budget constraints.
Following that decision, a group of Washington-based volunteers, private organizations, and sponsors organized and funded a North Carolina-themed pavilion independently. The exhibit was not operated or managed by the State of North Carolina.
The controversy arose when a video displayed inside the pavilion briefly included an image incorporating the Confederate battle flag with the North Carolina state flag. According to organizers, the image had not been approved for inclusion. After it was brought to their attention, the video was removed, and organizers said they were reviewing how the image became part of the presentation.
Governor Josh Stein issued a statement condemning the display, saying the Confederate symbol did not represent the values of North Carolina.
"This display does not reflect the North Carolina that we love," Stein said. "America250 is about unity and bringing our nation together. Glorifying this divisive Confederate symbol does the exact opposite."
The incident also prompted at least one sponsor, Mt. Olive Pickle Company, to withdraw its participation after learning of the image.
The controversy has generated discussion across North Carolina, with some criticizing the display of the Confederate symbol while others questioned why the state was not officially represented at the event. However, state officials have emphasized that North Carolina neither sponsored nor managed the exhibit where the image appeared.
Organizers said the offending image was removed promptly after it was discovered and that they are reviewing the circumstances surrounding its inclusion.
As preparations continue for America250 events across the country, the incident has highlighted the challenges organizers face in presenting historical themes while avoiding symbols that many Americans view as divisive.