Kentucky politicians to trade barbs at 145th Fancy Farm picnic

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- An annual Kentucky summer tradition bringing back-and-forth bickering and banter from both sides of the political aisle has arrived.

The 145th Fancy Farm picnic is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2 at St. Jerome Catholic Church in southwestern Kentucky.

The premier political event is known for its political roasts and a rowdy crowd, with both Democrats and Republicans trading barbs.

Each candidate gets a strict two minutes to get their message across over the noise of a boisterous crowd. Many from both sides stick to scripts largely written in advance.

The annual event is traditionally seen as the jumping-off point for fall elections in Kentucky. Candidates up and down the statewide ballot will get their turn at the podium.

Ashli Watts, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, was named the emcee for this year's Fancy Farm.

Watts will be the first woman to emcee the event. In a statement after she was announced as the emcee, Watts said she was "deeply honored" to serve as the emcee for the "Kentucky tradition that represents and celebrates our democratic process."

Organizers had hoped "everyone invited will accept and be on the stage," but a number of them had declined as of July 28, including Sen. Rand Paul, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Rep. Pamela Stevenson—who is also running for Sen. Mitch McConnell's seat—Auditor Allison Ball and Secretary of State Michael Adams.

Several lawmakers and officials have been confirmed for the picnic, including Rep. Andy Barr, who entered the race to succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell in the U.S. Senate back in April.

Daniel Cameron, Kentucky's previous attorney general who ran an unsuccessful bid for governor against Gov. Andy Beshear, is also a confirmed speaker. Cameron has also entered the race for the U.S. Senate seat held by McConnell.

Nate Morris, who announced his campaign last month for McConnell's Senate seat, is also confirmed for the event.

As of now, the only Democrat vying for the McConnell seat is Rep. Pamela Stevenson, who declined the invitation.

Confirmed speakers include: