LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- An annual Kentucky summer tradition bringing back-and-forth bickering and banter from both sides of the political aisle is less than a month away.
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."
A spokesperson for the event said there haven't been any candidates or officials say "no" to their invitation. Organizers said the hope is that "everyone invited will accept and be on the stage."
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.
Confirmed speakers include:
- U.S. Rep. and Senate candidate Andy Barr (R)
- State Rep. Kim Holloway (R)
- State Sen. Jason Howell (R)
- U.S. Rep. James Comer (R)
- U.S. House candidate John "Drew" Williams (D)
- Senate candidate Daniel Cameron (R)
- Senate candidate Nate Morris (R)
- Attorney General Russell Coleman (R)
- Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell (R)
Pending guests include:
- U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R)
- Auditor Allison Ball (R)
- Secretary of State Michael Adams (R)
Guests who have not yet responded:
- Gov. Andy Beshear (D)
- U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R)
- Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman (D)
- Senate Candidate Rep. Pamela Stevenson (D)
- Treasurer Mark Metcalf (R)
Top Stories:
Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson found guilty of all charges in Crystal Rogers' murder
Juvenile charged with murder in shooting at PRP High School football game
Kentucky priest offers funeral assistance to families affected by Texas flooding
Prosecutors ask to delay sentencing of Brett Hankison for conviction in Breonna Taylor case
Mosquitoes with West Nile virus found near the Highlands in Louisville
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
