FANCY FARM, Ky. — The speaker list for Kentucky’s “political Super Bowl” is taking shape. Organizers for the 144th Fancy Farm Picnic released an updated list of confirmed guests who will partake in the “political speaking” tradition for the bipartisan barbecue on Aug. 3, 2024 in Graves County.

The lineup is dominated by Republicans, continuing a recent trend that reflects the GOP’s hold over a majority of statewide and federal offices. The only two Democrats listed as “confirmed” are Erin Marshall, who is challenging Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., to represent Kentucky’s First District in Congress, and state Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson, who will speak on a proposed “school choice” amendment.

Comer is also confirmed to speak at the event. He will be flanked by fellow Republicans that include: Attorney General Russell Coleman, State Auditor Allison Ball, Secretary of State Michael Adams, Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Treasurer Mark Metcalf, state Sen. Jason Howell, state Rep. Richard Heath and Kim Holloway, who is running unopposed for state representative in this November’s election. State Rep. Suzanne Miles will round out the partisan speaker lineup, speaking for Republicans on the “school choice” amendment.

Two nonpartisan speakers are also confirmed: Lisa Payne Jones and Jason Shea Fleming, who are both running in a special general election for the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

The political speaking will be emceed by renowned Lexington priest Father Jim Sichko. Fancy Farm Political Chairman Steven Elder is slated to give the welcome, and Father Darrell Venters of St. Jerome Catholic Church will deliver the invocation. Jessica Fox Gong will sing the national anthem, and Tiffany Bailey will sing My Old Kentucky Home; both are St. Jerome parishioners.

Perhaps as notable are the prominent Kentucky politicians who have not yet confirmed if they will attend. Democrats Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman are listed as “pending” as are Republican Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul.

The Fancy Farm Picnic, hosted by St. Jerome Catholic Church, is seen as a rite of passage for politicians in the commonwealth and the unofficial beginning of campaign season. Amid the day packed with 5k runs, bingo and family-friendly fair games, both parties come together for political speeches that often resemble open mic night at a comedy club. The tradition dates back to 1880, and the event has been held every year since, although political speeches were absent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.