What to know about Fancy Farm, Kentucky's annual political picnic
On the first Saturday in August, federal and state elected officials and candidates will gather at a church picnic to meet with Western Kentucky constituents and skewer their opponents before an often rowdy crowd.
The event is Fancy Farm, and it's arriving in less than a week. Here's what to know in advance.
What is Fancy Farm?
Fancy Farm is both a town in West Kentucky and the name of an annual fundraising picnic held by St. Jerome's Catholic Church. The 2025 picnic will be the church's 145th.
There's more to the picnic than just massive amounts of barbecue and family activities. Elected officials and candidates have come to dominate the event, delivering short speeches that are often laced with barbs for competitors and members of the other party.
The political speaking portion of the picnic started in 1931, when A.B. "Happy" Chandler ran for lieutenant governor and popularized the event statewide. Over the years, the picnic has garnered national media attention for its rousing speeches, which are met with cheers and jeers from the crowd.
The picnic also offers signature barbecue dishes, including pork and mutton.
Who is speaking at Fancy Farm 2025?
Ashli Watts, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, will emcee the speeches in 2025.
This year, political picnic organizers have made an exception to their traditional rules and invited primary candidates to speak, including those running in the 2026 race to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell.
Senate candidates U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris have all confirmed they will speak on the Republican side. Democratic state Rep. Pamela Stevenson has declined.
More: Is Kentucky's Fancy Farm picnic still relevant in a changing political climate?
McConnell and Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul have not confirmed whether they will attend the event. Neither has Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear.
Democratic Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman will not be attending. In a statement, spokesperson JT Henderson said while Coleman appreciates the invitation to speak, she believes "it should be reserved for candidates who are currently on the ballot so they can share their vision for the commonwealth with our neighbors in West Kentucky."
Confirmed speakers include:
Republican state. Rep. Kim Holloway
Republican state Sen. Jason Howell
Republican U.S. Rep. James Comer
Democratic candidate John "Drew" Williams, running for Kentucky's 1st Congressional District
Republican state Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell
Republican state Treasurer Mark Metcalf
When is Fancy Farm?
Fancy Farm will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2. The political speaking portion is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Central/3 p.m. Eastern.
Where is Fancy Farm?
Fancy Farm takes place at St. Jerome Catholic Church. The church is located at 20 Ky. Route 339 North in Fancy Farm, located in Graves County.
Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Fancy Farm picnic 2025 date, speakers, what to know
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