By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
The 146th annual Fancy Farm Picnic and political stump speaking at St. Jerome’s Roman Catholic Church in that small Western Kentucky town on Aug. 1 is only a few weeks away.
Some of the speakers for the Saturday afternoon event have already committed to appearing, while festival organizers are still working to add to the present lineup.
Among those planning to be there are the local legislative office holders, State Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray and Rep. Kim Holloway, R-Mayfield.
U.S. Senator Rand Paul, R-Bowling Green, has committed to be there, while Kentucky’s Senior U.S. Senator, Mitch McConnell, R-Louisville, who remains hospitalized and is not seeking re-election in November, has not responded to organizers of the event.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Andy Barr, R-Lexington, who is currently the 6th District Congressman, has agreed to attend, while his Democratic opponent, Charles Booker of Louisville is listed as pending.
Republican 1st District Congressman James Comer and his Democratic challenger, John Drew Williams, have both agreed to participate.
While Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has not yet announced whether he will attend, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, who has announced she will run for Governor in 2027, will be on hand.
Other statewide office holders who say they plan to be there include Attorney General Russell Coleman and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, both Republicans.
Secretary of State Michael Adams, State Auditor Allison Ball and State Treasurer Mark Metcalf, all with the GOP, have not said yes or no at this point.
Although the Fancy Farm picnic started in 1880, it did not become Kentucky’s top political event until 1931. That’s when A.B. “Happy” Chandler made an appearance while campaigning for Lieutenant Governor. Since then, it has served in every election year as the traditional kick-off to the fall campaign season.
Thousands of people head to the Graves County community annually, where they enjoy Western Kentucky barbeque, play games, and, of course, listen to the political stump speeches.
This year’s emcee will be Dave Baker of WKYT-TV in Lexington.