Latest news with #FancyFarmPicnic
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who had the best zingers? Here's a round up from Fancy Farm
FANCY FARM, Ky. — The 145th annual Fancy Farm Picnic wasn't short on BBQ — or political zingers. The event drew its typical rowdiness as politicians gave short speeches on a stage, with supporters of three high-profile Republican candidates running to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell packing the crowd. All of this year's lineup of speakers came from the GOP, save for John "Drew" Williams, who's announced a bid against U.S. Rep. James Comer. Here are some of the zingers that were dished out out. Emcee Ashli Watts Watts, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, is the first woman emcee in Fancy Farm history. She wasted no time making wisecracks about that fact. "I am the first woman to emcee the picnic in 145 years, which I guess makes me the official Fancy Farm DEI hire," Watts said. She also poked fun at the "solicited and unsolicited advice" she received when preparing for her monologue. "I just want to take a moment to thank all the men out there who gave me so much unsolicited advice," Watts said. "Truly, nothing gets you ready for the job like having political jokes mansplained to you." Watts also joked about McConnell's retirement as he sat on stage. "Democrats are panicking about losing their second favorite person to blame, Republicans are pancking about losing their first favorite person to blame, and C-SPAN is panicking about losing its most consistent source of dramatic pauses," she said. U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell McConnell didn't focus on the typical zingers during his speech. Instead, he focused on policy, mentioning a recent visit with President Donald Trump where the pair talked about the decision to bomb Iran. "I told him he made the right call," McConnell said. "This is how you restore peace through strength. America is stronger and safer with Republicans in charge in Washington." McConnell was also quick to criticize former President Joe Biden and his administration. "The Biden DOJ went undercover to intimidate Catholics, and crazy climate change rules made a tough job tougher for all the Grave County farmers," he said. Congressional candidate John "Drew" Williams Williams, the Democrat running to unseat Comer, had one consistent message to Western Kentucky voters: He brings service to the community. "For the last six years, I've been building a community from the ground level," Williams said. "I've been listening to people's needs without political power. I even helped serve the Fancy Farm Picnic today." While Williams focused on his community work, he also criticized Comer, saying "he's not like us." "Western Kentuckians don't like big money politics or career politicians, or people who had to move to gain communities in Frankfort so far away, they had to redraw the district," Williams said. U.S. Rep. James Comer Comer, who represents Western Kentucky in Kentucky's 1st Congressional District, partly touted his prominent position as chairman of the House Oversight Committee during his speech. "I love this environment," Comer said. "It's like a regular House Oversight Committee meeting." Most of Comer's speech consisted of criticizing Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's lack of attendance and the media. "But now, (the media) is on one of its newest false narratives, and that is Andy Beshear is popular in rural areas," Comer said. "Some of you are writing that Andy Beshear can help deliver rural America in 2028. Well, y'all obviously didn't grow up in rural Kentucky." Senate candidate Daniel Cameron While U.S. Senate candidate Cameron emphasized in the beginning of his speech that he would support President Donald Trump's America First Agenda, he also used his time to critize opponents Andy Barr and Nate Morris. "Andy Barr wants you to think he's America First, but it's hard to believe him when he voted with Nancy Pelosi 1,200 times," said Cameron, a former Kentucky attorney general and CEO of the 1792 Exchange. In regard to Morris, Cameron specifically called out the businessman's work dealings. "(Morris) talks tough about deporting illegals, but the only thing he's ever sent across the border is his business," he said. "You can't stand up for American workers when the only experience you've had is firing them." Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Andy Barr Barr made sure to tout his current position represening Kentucky's 6th Congressional District while campaigning for U.S. Senate, but that didn't stop him from taking a couple jabs at Cameron and Morris. "Nate calls himself the trash man, but dumpster fire is more like it," Barr said. He later referrenced Cameron's loss to Beshear in the 2023 gubernatorial race "I'd say anyone can beat (Beshear), but I wouldn't want to offend Daniel Cameron," Barr said. "Good to see you Daniel, I think we're going to keep the tradition alive of Andys beating Daniels." Senate candidate Nate Morris Morris' speech partly focused on criticizing McConnell — something he's consistently done as part of his campaign. "Why is it that you all get defensive when I talk about a man who is a year older than Biden, just as mentally compromised and holds the same positions as Biden on amnesty, Ukraine funding and hating Trump?" Morris said. He also called Barr and Cameron "McConnell boys." "Andy and Daniel, you know, today might be the perfect day to break some real news. … Perhaps you could both show us the seat of your britches so we can finally understand exactly where Mitch's hand goes in," Morris said. Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at hpinski@ or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Fancy Farm 2025: Best zingers from Kentucky's political picnic
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fancy Farm returns to west Kentucky with barbecue, political zingers. See updates
Grab some pork and popcorn. Kentucky's annual Fancy Farm Picnic is back, with several high-profile Senate candidates ready to lob shots at their competitors before a rowdy crowd. The event has become known for its fiery political speeches, laced with zingers. And while event organizers typically limit speakers to those holding state office or running in a general election, they've extended invitations to primary candidates running in 2026. That includes Andy Barr, Daniel Cameron and Nate Morris, who've all accepted slots as candidates campaigning to take U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell's seat. Thousands of pounds of barbecue will also be served through the hot summer day. And The Courier Journal will be there to see it all. Here's are the highlights. Stay in the know: Sign up for our On Kentucky Politics newsletter Prominent Democrats join dinner, skip Fancy Farm Picnic Democrats joined the 28th annual Mike Miller Memorial Bean Dinner on Aug. 1 in Marshall County ahead of 145th Fancy Farm Picnic. The event, held at the Kentucky Dam Village Convention Center, featured prominent speakers including Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Colmon Elridge. During her speech, Coleman touted how she and the Beshear administration broke "historic tourism records in the last three years" and have created new jobs for Kentuckians. 'We created 65,000 new jobs and $35 million worth of private sector investments,' Coleman said. 'We secured raises for law enforcement, for state employees, for social workers, but ironically, the one group of people that the Republicans in the General Assembly don't think deserve a raise is our educators.' Coleman previously confirmed she would not participate in the political speaking portion of the picnic, saying she believes that time should be reserved for candidates on the ballot. She touched on her absence during her speech, saying she will not be at the event 'partly because there are so many obvious jokes, but not much worth laughing about at this moment.' '… Although I do hear of some races, like in 2027, that might bring me back to the Fancy Farm stage,' Coleman said, potentially alluding to the upcoming gubernatorial election. John 'Drew' Williams, who announced he plans to run against Republican U.S. Rep. James Comer in 2026, will be the lone Democrat speaking at Fancy Farm. When asked how it feels to be the only Democrat on stage, Williams told The Courier Journal, 'I don't mind it at all.' 'It's become a hate fest in a lot of ways, the picnic,' Williams said. 'We should treat it like a church picnic. Quips are fine. Jokes are fine. But we're getting really hateful in the way we talk about each other.' Williams added he feels 'pretty confident' about his first time speaking at Fancy Farm and is 'ready to be in front of (his) community." 'Even if there are hecklers there, all they're doing is getting me prepared to go up there and get heckled and yelled at in Congress,' Williams said. Who's speaking at Fancy Farm 2025? The speaking order for the event, with allotted times, is as follows: Fancy Farm Political Chairman Steven Elder, welcome Bishop William Medley, invocation Campbellsville University President Joseph Hopkins, national anthem Emily and Austin Lamb, "My Old Kentucky Home" Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President Ashli Watts, emcee, 5 minutes State Rep. Kim Holloway (R), 4 minutes State Sen. Jason Howell (R), 4 minutes U.S. Rep. James Comer (R), 6 minutes Congressional candidate John "Drew Williams (D), 6 minutes U.S. Senate candidate Daniel Cameron (R), 6 minutes U.S. Senate candidate Andy Barr (R), 6 minutes U.S. Senate candidate Nate Morris (R), 6 minutes Attorney General Russell Coleman (R), 5 minutes Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell (R), 5 minutes State Treasurer Mark Metcalf (R), 5 minutes U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell is listed as pending on the most recent speaker list. How to watch political speeches at Fancy Farm Political speaking will begin at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT. KET will begin live coverage of the event at 2:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. CT. Host Renee Shaw and political commentators Trey Grayson and Bob Babbage will provide pre-event analysis. Watch the coverage at Fancy Farm 2025 schedule Barbecue by the pound goes on sale bright and early at 8 a.m. But the picnic's official kickoff doesn't start until a little later. Here's the schedule for the day. 10 a.m. CT: Official picnic start time 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Music by Harold Daniels 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.: Meals served in parish hall 1:30 p.m.: Pioneer Award presentation at political stand 2 p.m.: Political speaking 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.: Music by Louisville Orchestra 7 - 10 p.m.: Music by Seeing Red band 10 p.m.: Raffle drawing This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Fancy Farm picnic 2025: Updates from Kentucky's annual political event Solve the daily Crossword
Associated Press
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Before the attacks, Senate candidates seek to define themselves in Kentucky
CALVERT CITY, Ky. (AP) — Three Republicans competing to succeed longtime Sen. Mitch McConnell tried to define themselves before the political attacks that could come Saturday when they share the spotlight at the Fancy Farm picnic, a daunting rite of passage for candidates seeking statewide office in Kentucky. 'You're going to hear some barbs tomorrow, but what I want to focus on is my vision for serving in the United States Senate,' Daniel Cameron, one of the candidates, told a GOP crowd Friday evening. Cameron's rivals in next year's Senate primary — U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and businessman Nate Morris — used their speeches at the event to introduce themselves to Republican voters in western Kentucky. All three could shift into attack mode against each other Saturday afternoon at the Fancy Farm picnic — the Bluegrass State's premier political event. Politicians compete to land the sharpest — and sometimes most outlandish — barbs, and have to endure shouting and heckling from their rivals' supporters. The picnic could turn into a Republican skirmish since Democratic politicians are mostly skipping the event. McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, revealed in February, on his 83rd birthday, that he won't seek another term in Kentucky and will retire when his current term ends. His pending retirement has set up a fierce competition for his seat. Warming up for their appearance that will air on statewide TV at Fancy Farm, the three GOP rivals kept to one script they've all shared — lavishing praise on Republican President Donald Trump. Barr portrayed his congressional experience as an advantage that sets him apart. He represents a district stretching from central Kentucky's bluegrass region to the Appalachian foothills. 'I'm an 'America First' fighter in the United States Congress,' Barr said Friday night. 'Other people like to talk about being a Trump guy or being with Trump. I've been with President Trump from day one. I'm not just talking about supporting President Trump. I've done it. I'm continuing to do it.' Giving voters a glimpse into his political philosophy, Barr said: 'I'm a guy who was raised in the era of Ronald Reagan. I believe in limited government, free enterprise and a strong national defense.' Morris, a tech entrepreneur, portrayed himself as a populist and a political outsider while trying to attach himself to Trump's popularity in Kentucky. 'What we've seen with this president is that he has put emphasis back on the American worker,' Morris said Friday night. 'And the people that have been in Washington for all this time -- the elites – they sold out the American worker.' Morris also touted his hardline stance on immigration. He said he supports a moratorium on immigration into the United States until every immigrant currently in the country illegally is deported. Cameron, who is Black, used his speech to rail against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. 'We don't need … an America built on DEI,' Cameron said. 'We need a country that's built on MEI – merit, excellence and intelligence.' Cameron entered the Senate campaign with one clear advantage — a higher statewide name recognition than his rivals. Cameron served one term as state attorney general and lost to Democrat Andy Beshear in the 2023 governor's race. 'You've been with us in the past,' Cameron told the GOP group Friday night. 'I hope that you'll be with us this time. We're going to get it done because we know that what happens in this seat will have reverberations across this country.'
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Barr Bus' to depart from London for Fancy Farm Picnic
Are you interested in attending Kentucky's premier political event? Congressman Andy Barr (KY-6), who is running for Mitch McConnell's U.S. Senate seat, is offering free transportation from London to this year's Fancy Farm Picnic — an annual political tradition held in western Kentucky. A charter bus will depart from Forcht Bank's north branch at 100 CVB Drive in London at 7 a.m. Saturday, August 2, and return later that same day. Participants will receive free campaign gear, including shirts and signs, and join Barr for the afternoon's events. At the 145th annual St. Jerome Church Fancy Farm Picnic, Barr intends to speak about his vision for Kentucky and the issues he has been working on as part of his Senate campaign. He announced his candidacy on April 22. 'Fancy Farm is one of Kentucky's proudest traditions — and we want as many Republicans as possible to be a part of it. That's why we're inviting conservatives to hop on the Barr Bus and join us,' Barr said. 'As your next U.S. senator, I'll fight every day for Kentucky coal, good-paying jobs, our farmers, and the conservative values we hold dear.' The Fancy Farm Picnic is known for its mix of political speeches and community atmosphere. Candidates from across the state gather each year to share their platforms and connect with voters in a more relaxed setting. Also seeking the soon-to-be vacant Senate seat and speaking at the event are former attorney general Daniel Cameron and Lexington tech entrepreneur Nate Morris. The political speeches will kick off around 2 p.m. Alex Bellizzi, Barr's communications director, said the campaign chose London as one of the pickup locations to give residents of eastern Kentucky a way to attend the event and become more familiar with Barr. 'We want to have fun, and obviously get to know any Kentuckian that comes out,' Bellizzi said. 'Whether it's an individual, a group of friends, or a family — all are welcome.' The transportation is free and paid for by Andy Barr for U.S. Senate. Those interested in riding the bus from London can sign up at Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kentucky Chamber's Ashli Watts to emcee annual Fancy Farm Picnic
Fancy Farm Picnic-goers stroll the grounds on Aug. 3, 2024, at St. Jerome Catholic Church. Organizers announced Tuesday that Kentucky Chamber of Commerce CEO Ashli Watts will emcee the political speaking at this year's picnic. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) Ashli Watts, the president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, will be the emcee for the next Fancy Farm Picnic this August. Ashli Watts (Provided by St. Jerome Picnic) Held as a fundraiser for the St. Jerome Catholic Church in the far west Kentucky town of Fancy Farm, the picnic annually brings together Kentucky politicians for fiery stump speeches in front of a boisterous crowd. Picnic organizers announced that Watts would be the emcee for this year's picnic in a Tuesday press release. Watts became the president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber in 2019. The organization represents more than 3,800 member businesses across the state and often brings together its members and Kentucky lawmakers for conversations about economic issues. The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce spent the most out of any group to lobby the Kentucky General Assembly in 2024 and 2025. The picnic's press release said that as leader of the Kentucky Chamber, Watts 'played a key role in the passage of landmark legislation including felony expungement, right-to-work, and tax reform measures.' 'Ashli's experience and poise make her the ideal choice to guide this year's political speaking,' said Steven Elder, the political chairman of the picnic. 'Her leadership and deep understanding of Kentucky's political landscape will bring energy, fairness, and insight to this year's event.' The Fancy Farm Picnic is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2. Emcees in recent years have included Lexington's Father Jim Sichko and David Beck, president of Kentucky Venues.
