As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Ohio is bringing The Heart of it All to Washington, D.C., showcasing the destinations, traditions,





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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*
June 25, 2026




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*Ohio Brings the Heart of It All to the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.* 

"Governor"" and First Lady DeWine Welcome Visitors to Ohio Pavilion on the National Mall" 

Governor and First Lady DeWine at Great American State Fair

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Ohio is bringing The Heart of it All to Washington, D.C., showcasing the destinations, traditions, innovations, and family-focused initiatives that make Ohio the place where you can build a great career, experience amazing adventures, and live a great life. 

Today Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine welcomed visitors to the Ohio Pavilion, which offers a glimpse into what makes Ohio the Heart of it All. 

"Ohio has played a defining role in America's story, and we're excited to share our story with visitors from across the country," said Governor Mike DeWine. "The Ohio Pavilion highlights people and places that make Ohio special, while showcasing the investments we're making in children and families to ensure our state's brightest days are still ahead." 

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*MORE: Governor DeWine Interview and BROLL* [ [link removed] ]


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“The future of Ohio is our children,” said First Lady Fran DeWine. “At the Ohio Pavilion, we showcase Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, as well as programs to help children with free eyeglasses, teach them how best to read in school, and set them up with healthy habits for life – mentally and physically.”

DeWine's at Great American State Fair

The Great American State Fair is a 16-day national exposition, which takes place between June 25 and July 10, and features exhibits from all 56 U.S. states and territories. The World’s Fair-style event includes food, entertainment, military flyovers, educational exhibits, and family-friendly activities.  

Visitors to the Ohio Pavilion will experience three areas: 

*Discover Ohio
*The tourism exhibit showcases many of Ohio's iconic destinations and experiences such as Ohio's award-winning state parks, world-class museums and theaters, professional sports teams, nationally recognized zoos, and world-class roller coaster parks.

*Ohio Statehouse
*In the center of the Ohio Pavilion stands an Ohio Statehouse facade, featuring 17 Ohio flags which represent Ohio as the 17th state admitted to the Union. A three-screen video wall shares Ohio’s story through video and highlights the people, places, innovations, and values that make Ohio a special place. 

*Investing in Ohio Children
*The pavilion also highlights several initiatives championed by Governor and First Lady DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel to help Ohio children reach their full potential, including: 


* *ReadOhio*, the state's science-of-reading initiative to improve literacy outcomes. 

* *OhioSEE*, a pilot program that provides free vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses for students in need. 

* *The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge*, a program that helps students develop lifelong healthy habits in fitness, nutrition, and sleep, as well as an attitude of gratitude. 

* *Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio*, the literacy program that currently provides free books each month to more than 426,000 Ohio children. 


* Ohio's growing network of nearly 60 *Storybook Trails* located in state parks and rest areas throughout the state. 
Governor DeWine and First Lady DeWine at Great American State Fair

Families can also relax in a reading nook featuring books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. 

Throughout the Great American State Fair, visitors can take home a variety of Ohio-themed giveaways, including Ohio, the Heart of It All merchandise, small toys, Fran DeWine cookbooks, Spangler Candy Company Dum-Dums, Wendy's Frosty Key Tags, Bob Evans food vouchers, and Scott’s Miracle-Gro coloring pages.  

Ohioans who are unable to visit the Ohio Pavilion in Washington, D.C., will have an opportunity to experience it closer to home. Following the Great American State Fair, the entire exhibit will move to Columbus and be displayed inside the Bricker Building during the Ohio State Fair, July 29 through August 9. 

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