Fancy Farm, Ky.–The St. Jerome Catholic Church has announced that the 140th St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic will take place this year, on August 1, but will have a quite different look with modifications following CDC guidelines.
The Fancy Farm Picnic is a popular venue, drawing crowds of hundreds who enjoy the political speeches, catcalls, food and games.
After several meetings, the Picnic Committee has laid out a plan that will follow local, state, and CDC guidelines for large gatherings. The picnic will look quite different this year to ensure that all guidelines are being followed. Our plan includes having fewer booths, reduced hours, masks for volunteer workers, and dedicated individuals that will be sanitizing throughout the day.
With guidance from the Office of Charitable Gaming, they will be raffling off a new Polaris Ranger along with three $500 cash prizes.
Two of the main attractions will still take place. Thousands of pounds of slow cooked mutton and pork will be available to purchase by the pound starting at 8 a.m. This will be available throughout the day on the picnic grounds.
Political speaking will take place, but at a different location than the traditional political pavilion. This year, invited speakers will deliver their speeches inside the Fancy Farm Elementary School gymnasium. KET will be set up to broadcast the live speeches. To ensure guidelines are being followed, only those with a ticket will be allowed to enter and hear the speeches in person. Political leaders and legislators will receive their invitation to speak from St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic political organizers.
The St. Jerome School Museum will also be offering tours to the public on picnic day.
St. Jerome Catholic Church and picnic organizers are working hard to provide a welcoming, yet safe picnic to those who attend. We realize how important the picnic is to so many in the community, and we are pleased to work with local and state officials to see that it happens in a safe and responsible manner.
More information will be made available as the 140th St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic nears. For further information, please contact the St. Jerome Parish Office at 270-623-8181 and ask for Andy Hayden.
Photo: A typical scene at the 2019 Fancy Farm Picnic. (Photo by Shannon McFarlin).