WASHINGTON — Thousands will descend upon the tiny Western Kentucky community of Fancy Farm Saturday, Aug. 3 for political speeches, barbeque and more.
This will be the 144th Annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic, which has served as both a church fundraiser and a political proving ground that receives national attention.
Some will come for the food; others for political zingers. Political Chairman Steven Elder has been at every Fancy Farm Picnic held since he was born.
“You kind of get everything: you get great food, you get wonderful politics, you get both sides of the aisle,” Elder said. “I mean, where else does that happen in America?”
So far, 10 of the 15 confirmed speakers are Republicans and only two are Democrats, according to a list shared Wednesday.
Elder said organizers always want to put on a bipartisan event, and he has been trying to get more Democrats to come speak.
At last check, Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, D-Ky., are not attending, but the invitation is open, Elder said.
As speculation swirls over whether Beshear will make the cut as the Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, Elder added to expect the governor to take a lot of heat, no matter whether he attends.
“My hope (is), again, that he does attend," Elder said. "But if he doesn't attend, if he's not there, 100%, they are going to roast him. It's going to be bad.”
Chase Oliver, a libertarian presidential candidate, is scheduled to speak, along with former Republican Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who will speak on behalf of former President Donald Trump.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was listed as “pending” Wednesday.
In addition to a handful of state lawmakers and constitutional officers, Congressman James Comer, R-Tompkinsville, will take the stage and face off against Democratic challenger Erin Marshall.
Because of the recent attempt on Trump’s life July 13 at an outdoor Pennsylvania rally, Fancy Farm-goers can expect to see tighter security, Elder said.
“We are taking somewhat more security precautions this year because it is outside,” said Elder. “It is open air, and so you'll probably see … more police force there as well and just limitations on the people that are in and around the platform. We'll have a few different things that may look a little bit different."
The Marshall County Democrats said Beshear will speak at their annual bean dinner the night before Fancy Farm in the neighboring county.