Fancy Farm, Ky.—On Saturday, August 4, one of the country’s best known political events will be emceed by the nation’s youngest Statewide elected official.
Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles will act as ringmaster for the 138th annual St. Jerome Catholic Church Picnic’s event. Over the years, the picnic has become a must attend event for political watchers from around the state and nation and features speakers from both parties running for national, state and local offices.
The list of speakers keeps changing, with Governor Matt Bevins and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell now pending. U.S. Senator Rand Paul has cancelled.
Among those speakers who are still slated are: Attorney General Andy Beshear and Secretary of State Alison Grimes.
Speakers begin at 2 p.m., with BBQ and other goodies served all day.
“A love of both politics and agriculture run deep in West Kentucky,” said Mark Wilson, chair of the political speaking at the picnic. “Commissioner Quarles shares our region’s passion for both and we are excited for him to emcee this year’s political speaking.”
Keeping with tradition, invitations to speak at this year’s picnic will be extended to current constitutional office holders, both US Senators and the local U.S. Representative and local candidates for State House and State Senate.
The Fancy Farm Picnic, which serves as a charitable fundraiser for the sponsor, St. Jerome Catholic Church, has quickly transformed into Kentucky’s inaugural event for the statewide fall political season. Some of the nation’s most prominent politicians have addressed the crowds from the speakers’ stand, including U.S. Vice-President Alben W. Barkley, former Governor and U.S. Senator A.B. “Happy” Chandler, Vice-President Al Gore and Vice-Presidential candidate Lloyd Bentson, and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The picnic, also known as the world’s largest one day barbeque, annually attracts over 10,000 visitors each year.