FANCY FARM, Ky. — Father Jim Sichko, priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, will emcee the 144th annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic Saturday, Aug. 3. 

Sichko has been an internationally known preacher, evangelist and motivational speaker for more than 25 years. Pope Francis commissioned him as a Papal Missionary of Mercy in 2015 in conjunction with the Extraordinary Jubilee Year, making him one of 100 in the U.S. and 1,000 in the world.

"We are excited to have Fr. Jim accept the role as emcee of our 144th event," said Steven Elder, political chairman of the picnic. "He brings a wealth of experience through speaking and engaging with crowds. He has such a social media presence and following with over 70,000 followers on Facebook, 26,000 on X (formerly Twitter) and over 10,000 on Instagram." 

Sichko is known for his presentations "60 minutes for Jesus." Event organizers said his talks and parish missions are geared for anyone, regardless of background or religious affiliation.

Internationally known priest Father Jim Sichko will emcee the 144th annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic, set for Saturday, Aug. 3. (Fancy Farm Picnic)

Dubbed "the best opening act ever" by Dolly Parton, Sichko uses real-life experiences, personal stories and humor to motivate audiences to recognize the good within themselves and others while challenging them to improve the world. He has collaborated with businesses such as Delta Airlines, Amazon, Willett Bourbon Distillery, True Blue Customs and the city of Lexington, along with numerous celebrities, politicians and entrepreneurs, organizers added.

Sichko is also the author of two books: "Encountering God: As a Traveling Papal Missionary of Mercy" and "Among Friends: Stories from the Journey." 

The Fancy Farm Picnic serves as a charitable fundraiser for St. Jerome Catholic Church. Political speaking at the event dates back to the early 1900s, and it has since become Kentucky's inaugural event for the statewide fall political season. Last year's picnic saw close to 20 Republican and Democrat officeholders and candidates give speeches with close to 15,000 attendees.

Political speaking for this year's event begins at 2 p.m. CDT, organizers said.