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FANCY FARM, Ky. (KT) - Despite no election in 2025, the list of speakers at the 145th annual Fancy Farm picnic and political speaking event Aug. 2 at St. Jerome Roman Catholic Church in the small Graves County community in far western Kentucky is growing.
Political Director Steven Elder announced late last month that in addition to sitting U.S Senators and Congressmen, state Constitutional officers and General Assembly members who represent Graves County, candidates who will be on the ballot for the May 2026 Primary election have also been invited.
Incumbent Republican U.S Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul are still pending, and are usually a last-minute decision, as the Senate can still be meeting in early August.
Since McConnell is retiring at the end of 2026, those candidates who have announced their bid for his seat are among the invited. Republicans Andy Barr, Daniel Cameron and Nate Morris have all agreed to attend Fancy Farm, while Democrat Pamela Stevenson said she will not be there.
First District Congressman James Comer, R-Tompkinsville, has replied in the affirmative, as has his Democratic challenger, John "Drew" Williams of Benton. In fact, Williams is the only Democrat to confirm his attendance this year.
The two Republican General Assembly members who represent Fancy Farm, Rep. Kim Holloway of Mayfield and Sen. Jason Howell of Murray, have also agreed to participate.
Among the state Constitutional officers, Gov. Andy Beshear has not yet responded, although his Lt. Governor and fellow Democrat, Jacqueline Coleman, says she will not be there. Of the Republican Constitutional officers, Attorney General Russell Coleman has confirmed his attendance, as have Agriculture Commissioner Johnathan Shell and State Treasurer Mark Metcalf. Secretary of State Michael Adams and State Auditor Allison Ball are still listed as pending.
Although the Fancy Farm picnic started in 1880, it did not become Kentucky's top political event until 1931. That's when A.B. "Happy" Chandler made an appearance while campaigning for lieutenant governor. Since then, it has served in every election year as the traditional kick-off to the fall campaign season.
Thousands of people head to Fancy Farm each year, where they enjoy west Kentucky barbeque, play games, and, of course, listen to the political stump speaking.
