KOTA KINABALU, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- The United States (US) is bringing a slice of its state fair culture to Sabah, offering locals a taste of American food, games, music and community festivities as part of celebrations marking 250 years of US independence.
Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, David Gamble, said ‘The Great American Sabah State Fair’, held at Padang Merdeka here today, was designed to give Sabahans an experience familiar to many Americans while celebrating the close ties between the two countries.
“So, you know, we couldn't think of a better place to celebrate, you know, the Freedom 250, 250 years of US independence, here in Sabah,” he told reporters after flagging off the ‘Freedom250 Run’ at the event.
Also present was Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.
The embassy decided to stage the large-scale celebration in Sabah as 2026 was a significant year for the US, while Malaysia had also recently celebrated its 69th National Day, Gamble said.
“So, we figured that, you know, the timing is right to go big, to really show to the people of Sabah what it's like to go to a state fair in the United States so that everybody can have that experience,” he said.
Gamble said state fairs in the US typically feature carnival-style games, food, entertainment and family activities, with many of those elements recreated at the Sabah event.
The programme included an apple pie contest, hot dog eating contest, games and performances, while about 40 vendors offered food, arts and crafts and other products.
He said the fair was also intended to provide a space for Sabahans to spend time with family and friends while experiencing a slice of American culture.
Gamble also highlighted similarities between the US and Sabah in terms of their multicultural character, saying both societies were shaped by different communities coming together.
Gamble, who had previously visited Sabah during the Kaamatan celebration, said the state had succeeded in preserving and celebrating its diverse cultures in an authentic way.
“Sabah has this natural feeling; it exists, people live it for real, and I think that's why so many Americans come here to Sabah, and we feel, we feel very happy and comfortable here in Sabah,” he said.
The fair was preceded by the Freedom250 Run, which attracted about 600 registered participants.
The Great American Sabah State Fair also featured performances by the Pacific Partnership Band, a convoy of more than 50 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, DJ performances and other activities, with thousands of visitors expected throughout the evening.
-- BERNAMA