Beshear, Abramson, Paul Skipping Fancy Farm Picnic

Some big names will be missing from this year’s Fancy Farm Picnic. Mark Wilson, who coordinates the political speaking at the picnic, said Gov. Steve Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson would not be in attendance at this year’s picnic, which is set for Saturday, Aug. 4, on the grounds of St. Jerome's Parish in Graves County.

Wilson said Rep. Greg Stumbo would be the surrogate speaker for Beshear. Also not attending the 132^nd Annual Fancy Farm Picnic is U.S. Sen. Rand Paul. Wilson said U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has confirmed he’s attending.

According to Wilson, the Mitt Romney campaign will have either Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples or U.S. Senator Mike Johanns from Nebraska there to speak.

He said President Barack Obama’s campaign has not confirmed a surrogate speaker.

The picnic is held annually on the first Saturday in August and is a fundraiser for the church. It’s also considered the unofficial kickoff of the fall campaign season in Kentucky.