Since 1956, the picnic has been held on the first Saturday in August. The picnic doubles as a raucous political showdown between Republicans and Democrats during an afternoon of stump speeches. It has come to represent the traditional starting point of the fall campaign season in Kentucky.
But the picnic is not all about the political appearances. The picnic offers traditional fair activities such as bingo games and raffle prizes. And there’s plenty of food to enjoy – from hamburgers, hotdogs and pizza to fried chicken and fish. The big draw is barbecue pork and mutton and the home cooked meal featuring home grown vegetables and homemade desserts.
The annual picnic is a fundraiser for St. Jerome Parish that typically generates about $250,000. The picnic proceeds are used to finance local improvements. The picnic usually draws a crowd of about 10,000 people each year but organizers are expecting to attract more than 15,000 people this year.
The 134th Fancy Farm Picnic Schedule of Events
Friday, August 1st:
7:00 a.m. - Mass at the Picnic Grounds
8:00 a.m. - Blessing of the meat and placing it on the pits
5:00 p.m. - Knights of Columbus Fish Fry at KC Hall
6:00 p.m. - 1 mile Classic Run (registration at 5:00 p.m. at parking lot across from church rectory)
7:00 p.m. - 5K Fun Run (registration is from 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.)
There will be hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza, nachos, funnel cakes, pretzels, cracker jacks, cotton candy, and drinks sold at the picnic grounds around 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 2nd:
8:00 a.m. - Bar-B-Que pork and mutton by the pound goes on sale
10:00 a.m. - Official start time of the picnic
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Home cooked meals served continuously in air-conditioned Knights of Columbus Hall
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Mid-day music by Harold Daniels
1:30 p.m. - Pioneer Award presentation at political stand
2:00 p.m. - Political speaking
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Nighttime music by Stronghold
10:00 p.m. - Raffle drawing
The meal served at this year's picnic includes: bar-b-que pork and mutton, fried chicken, fresh sweet corn, lima beans green beans, purple hull peas, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, potato salad, slaw, and homemade desserts.
First prize for the raffle is a 2014 Jeep Wrangler 4x4. Winners of the second, third, and fourth prizes will win $500 each. You do not have to be present to win in the drawing.
