For the last 144 years, the St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic has brought the left, right and indifferent together under one roof in order to enjoy barbecue, Bingo and the bull surrounding Kentucky and national politics.
That long tradition continues Friday night and into Saturday, as the 145th Annual celebration covers the grounds of the parish located in the heart of Graves County.
In no uncertain terms, Fancy Farm Political Chairman Steven Elder said there will be tons of meat.
A Saturday afternoon congregate meal at a fair price is in the nearby Knights of Columbus Hall, and showcases the pitted meats, as well as homegrown vegetable fixin’s and local desserts — as well as the drinks of choice: SunDrop and RC.
Elder noted that Ashli Watts — president and CEO for the Kentucky Chamber, the state’s largest business association — will be the emcee for Saturday’s political stump. It’s a position she’s held since 2019.
The stump stage, he added, opens at 2 PM. Elder said Sen. Rand Paul would not be able to attend, but Congressman James Comer is coming with an entourage.
There is hope, Elder added, for Sen. Mitch McConnell to make an appearance.
One big change coming, Elder said, is the allowance of primary candidates to speak. With McConnell’s seat up for grabs, Nate Morris, Daniel Cameron and Congressman Andy Barr are on the docket. He confirmed Democrat senatorial candidates were invited, but declined to attend this year.
While it is an off-year in the election spectrum, Elder said there could be a record number of RV’s, charters and rally busses on campus for the weekend…because candidates are seeking grassroots support now before the primaries and Election Day 2026.
It’s free to attend, but it is a massive fundraiser for the community. Picnic officials have been raffling off a new vehicle since the 1940s, and in 2024, Elder said all proceeds nearly eclipsed $400,000 — all of which goes back into the local parish and its efforts.
Normally a hot afternoon, Saturday’s weather will be immaculate. Sunny skies, high near 81. A breeze out of the north, northeast. In the evening, mostly clear skies, low around 62.
