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The flagship event of America’s 250th birthday celebrations ended up descending into chaos.
Officials had to order a full emergency evacuation of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall after temperatures hit 100°F and pushed the real-feel index into the danger zone.
Loudspeakers broadcast instructions telling visitors to proceed to the nearest exit. Senior White House correspondents on the ground described conditions as “miserably hot and humid,” comparing the open-air Mall to walking into a sauna.
The organizing committee behind the event, Freedom 250, confirmed the forced suspension of all daytime operations in a statement, saying the safety of guests, volunteers, performers and staff was their highest priority.