A man used to dealing with quarreling elected Republicans will emcee the political speaking at the 142nd Annual Fancy Farm Picnic on the first Saturday in August.
House Speaker David Osborne has been tapped to host the Kentucky tradition in far West Kentucky.
As multiple statewide-elected Republicans vie for their party’s nomination to challenge incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky, it will be Osborne’s task to join in on the roast and point the GOPs ire toward Democrats.
“Each year we try to rotate political parties and throw in a media personality ever so often, but this year it’s the Republican’s turn to emcee our great political event,” says Steven Elder, Political Chairman of the picnic.
The last Speaker of the House to emcee the picnic was in 2006 when former Speaker Jody Richards, a Democrat, was chosen for the position.
“As someone who has enjoyed many Fancy Farm picnics over the years, it is an incredible privilege to serve as emcee,” Osborne added. “While we all know the political rhetoric can get as hot as the temperature, the Fancy Farm tradition is a unique and quintessential Kentucky experience.”
With top races already in swing, this year’s event should draw more political eyeballs than the 2021 event, which Democrats poorly attended as they hold few statewide elected positions, and as COVID surged.
State Auditor Mike Harmon, Attorney General Daniel Cameron. and Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles (all Republicans) have announced their candidacies for Governor and will be asked to attend the annual event as Constitutional Officers. Gov. Andy Beshear, who did not participate last year will also be invited to the event as he seeks a second four-year term in 2023.
A U.S. Senate General Election contested between U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, and Democratic nominee Charles Booker could also draw attention this year.
This year, the 142nd St. Jerome Picnic in Fancy Farm, Kentucky will be held on August 6, 2022.
