By TOM LATEK, Kentucky today
FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – The list of speakers has grown for the political part of the 141st Fancy Farm Picnic in western Kentucky on August 7, but others refused to show up.
The Fancy Farm Picnic takes place at St. Jerome’s Church in the small community of Fancy Farm in Graves County, far western Kentucky, as it has been since 1880 when the congregation began. to serve a lot of barbecues to raise funds.
Among those who have confirmed their appearance are members of the region’s General Assembly, Senator Jason Howell, R-Murray, and Representative Richard Heath, R-Mayfield. First District Congressman James Comer, who represents western Kentucky and is mentioned as a possible candidate for the Republican nomination for governor in 2023, also agreed to speak.
State Auditor Mike Harmon, who has previously announced his intention to run for governor in 2023, and Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, another potential candidate, have also confirmed their attendance for the event.
Guests who have yet to confirm include the two U.S. Senators from Kentucky, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, as well as Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
State Treasurer Allison Ball, who recently gave birth to her second child, refused, as did Democratic Governor Andy Beshear and Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman.
Sebastian Kitchen, of the governor’s communications office, sent Kentucky Today this statement when asked why Beshear and Coleman refused:
“With no election scheduled for 2021, the Governor will spend this weekend with his family making up for lost opportunities during the pandemic, and the Lieutenant Governor will volunteer in the Commonwealth alongside his family. Fancy Farm is a great tradition and we promise to return in the near future. With the aggressive increase in the delta variant and the vaccination rate in the region, the governor and lieutenant governor are encouraging anyone planning to participate to get vaccinated as soon as possible. “
There will be a concurrent political event on that date, sponsored by local unions, individuals and the Louisville Democratic Party. In a statement, the organizers said:
“With the increase in COVID and the delta variant, a group is planning a counter-event at Fancy Farm, called ‘Fancyville’, on Saturday August 7 in Louisville.” Because Louisville typically sends a large delegation to Fancy Farm, and won’t be this year, a donation will be sent to St. Jerome’s Church in Fancy Farm, Ky.
“The usual political speakers, an assortment of food and drink and music as well as a COVID vaccination site are planned.
“Additional details as well as moderators and other attractions will be finalized in the coming days.”
Fancy Farm did not become Kentucky’s main political event until 1931, when AB “Happy” Chandler made an appearance while campaigning for lieutenant governor and has since served in the coup election years. more or less official sending of the fall electoral campaign.
The host of the event, who often serves as an arbiter and has to cut speakers who exceed their time limit, alternates between a Republican and a Democrat. This year, it’s the Democrats’ turn with former Secretary of State Bob Babbage in that role.
