LOUSVILLE, Ky. — Normally the first weekend in August is hot and humid and thousands come out to Fancy Farm to eat some mutton and listen to the state's political heavyweights battle it out on stage.

 

What You Need To Know


  • No politics at Fancy Farm.

  • Food and raffle still taking place

  • St. Jerome Parish coming up with more details

 

Coronavirus has struck down yet another Kentucky tradition. The annual kickoff to the political season takes place at St. Jerome Catholic Church and Wednesday Fr. Darrell Venters announced on Facebook that there would not be any political sparring this year.

Venters wrote, "I know this is a disappointment to some and comes as a relief to others. However, taking into consideration all the factors, I believe it is the best route to take at this time."

The 140th St. Jerome picnic will still take place but there will be a lot of changes. Here is what you can expect:

  • Pork and mutton will be sold by the pound
  • Online and person-to-person raffle
  • T-shirts will be sold
  • None of the other booths or stands will be open
  • No camping sites will be rented
  • No Friday night events will be held
  • The political speaking will not take place

Like most Catholic churches, picnics are a source of church funding. St. Jerome says the picnic committee is focusing on how to conduct the sale of meat and the raffle and that details will be released soon. 

Venters wrote, "If we all promote and get behind the raffle and the sell of meat by the pound, we can and will have a successful picnic financially."

St.Jerome parish has existed for 184 years and Venters says they have survived tough times before and they will do it again. 

"During those 184 years, the people have lived and prayed through times of drought, wars, pandemics, times of plenty and times of scarcity and have held steady to the faith and depended on God's providence. We will continue to do the same in our time and in the future."

 

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