Political rally, Fancy Farm, planned for 2026; potential primary candidates receiving invitations to join the event in August
The Fancy Farm picnic, a traditional kick-off to the fall campaign season in every election year, is preparing for its 145th edition on Aug. 2, 2025. This year, however, there are no state or federal elections scheduled for Kentucky in 2025, leading to a key change in the event's approach.
The Fancy Farm picnic committee is extending invitations primarily to candidates running in the 2026 primary elections. This shift in focus ensures the event remains politically relevant, catering to the upcoming candidates and the political landscape's evolving nature.
Steven Elder, the Fancy Farm political chairperson, announced in a news release that 2026 primary candidates have been invited to attend and participate in the event. Among those being invited are Nate Morris, a Republican from Lexington, who recently announced his intention to enter the race to succeed Mitch McConnell, U.S Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, incumbent First District Congressman James Comer, his 2026 Democratic challenger, John "Drew" Williams, and three additional candidates: Republicans Andy Barr and Daniel Cameron, and Democrat Pamela Stevenson.
Invitations are also being extended to all sitting Constitutional officers and General Assembly members representing Graves County.
The annual Fancy Farm picnic and political speaking event, held at St. Jerome's Roman Catholic Church in the small Graves County community of Fancy Farm, is renowned for its west Kentucky barbeque, games, and political stump speeches. Thousands of people attend the event annually, relishing in some of the finest fellowship western Kentucky has to offer and contributing to the picnic's goal of hosting a successful fundraiser for the parish.
The Fancy Farm picnic's history dates back to 1880, but it did not become Kentucky's top political event until 1931, when A.B. "Happy" Chandler's appearance marked a significant moment in its history. Over the years, the picnic has continued to adapt to the times, maintaining its status as a cornerstone of Kentucky politics.
[1] Source: Fancy Farm Picnic news release, 2025
- Despite there being no state or federal elections scheduled for Kentucky in 2025, the Fancy Farm picnic committee has decided to extend invitations primarily to candidates running in the 2026 primary elections, aiming to keep the event politically relevant for upcoming candidates and the shifting political scene.
- Among the invited candidates for the 2026 primary elections are Republicans Nate Morris, Andy Barr, and Daniel Cameron, incumbent First District Congressman James Comer, his 2026 Democratic challenger John "Drew" Williams, and Democrat Pamela Stevenson.
- In addition to the 2026 primary candidates, invitations are also being extended to all sitting Constitutional officers and General Assembly members representing Graves County, emphasizing the event's continued importance within the Kentucky community and politics.
