Fancy Farm Picnic

Abramson Joins Fancy Farm Haters

Phillip M. Bailey (KPR) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:22:35 +0000

Kentucky Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson is taking a hit for calling the annual Fancy Farm picnic outdated, but he isn't the first elected official to share his distaste for the raucous event.

As Frankfort Bureau Chief Kenny Colston reported, Republican Agriculture Commissioner James Comer scolded Abramson for his comments and skipping the event. He also scored some political points by highlighting that the lieutenant governor is the former mayor of Louisville.

On his Facebook page, Comer wrote: "The border of (Kentucky) extends far beyond the city limits of Louisville, something the Lt. Gov. will hopefully realize before the end of his term!"

But two years ago, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, who is from Bowling Green, criticized Fancy Farm when he told Fox New's Sean Hannity that he worried the onlookers would shower him with beer. And his northern Kentucky predecessor—former Sen. Jim Bunning—threatened to boycott Fancy Farm after complaining about how elected leaders were treated.

Listen:

Local Candidates Talk Jobs, Economy at Fancy Farm

Angela Hatton — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:48:12 +0000

First District State Senate candidates focused on jobs, in their stump speeches at this weekend’s 2012 Fancy Farm Picnic. Democratic candidate Carroll Hubbard is making his second run at the position. Hubbard, a former U. S. congressman and Paducah lawyer, lost the race in 2008 to Ken Winters. Hubbard says voters should choose him because as a democrat he can work with democratic Gov. Steve Beshear.

KPR's Kenny Colston on the Fancy Farm Picnic

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:45:03 +0000

Unlike in years past, this year's Fancy Farm Picnic drew few elected officials. But that doesn't mean there weren't any fireworks. Kentucky Public Radio's Kenny Colston covered the picnic, and he sat down with KPR's Gabe Bullard to sum up the post-picnic chatter.

Republicans Have Strong Showing at Fancy Farm

Angela Hatton — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 18:44:07 +0000

The republican party has a strong showing at this year's Fancy Farm Picnic. Less than 20 minutes are left to the start of the political speaking. Agriculture Commissioner James Comer will emcee, and U. S. Sen. Mitch McConnell will lead off the slate of politicians and candidates.

Republicans are hoping to cinch a big victory in western Kentucky, with five open races in the general election.

Local Races Major Draw for 2012 Fancy Farm

Angela Hatton — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 17:37:22 +0000

While the humidity is running high, a smaller slate of candidates hasn't dampened the crowd at the 2012 Fancy Farm Picnic. The event draws thousands each year, and its stump speaking is the traditional kickoff of the general election campaign season in Kentucky. Speakers start at 2 p.m. Central time.

Fancy Farm Speakers List Shortens

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:02:35 +0000

Most of Kentucky's elected Democrats will skip this weekend's annual Fancy Farm picnic.

As of Wednesday, House Speaker Greg Stumbo is the only high profile Democrat scheduled to speak.

Afternoon Round-Up 8/1/12

Rose Krzton-Presson — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 21:34:07 +0000

Today on NPR: A mile-deep mine in South Dakota was closed a decade ago. Now, it's been cleaned up and revamped as an underground science laboratory.

McConnell to Speak at Fancy Farm Picnic

Heidi Couch — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:36:13 +0000

Kentucky’s senior U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell said he’ll speak on behalf of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney at Saturday’s annual Fancy Farm picnic. Picnic political speaking chair Mark Wilson had initially told Kentucky Public Radio Romney would send a surrogate speaker, but he later confirmed McConnell will fill in instead.

Smoke Free Coalition Goes on Tour

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:31:28 +0000

Advocates of a statewide smoking ban are taking their issue on a five day tour before this weekend's Fancy Farm political picnic. The Smoke Free Kentucky Coalition has pushed a statewide smoking ban law in the General Assembly for the last two years. And they are making next year's legislative session a key moment in their fight.

Despite Some No-Shows, Hot Political Topics to Draw Fancy Farm Crowd

Angela Hatton — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 17:32:25 +0000

The absence of some big names at this year’s Fancy Farm Picnic won’t dampen the excitement. That’s the prediction from political speaking chair Mark Wilson. Gov. Steve Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson have bowed out, and so has U.S. Sen. Rand Paul.