LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Editor’s Note: The video above features highlights from the 2019 Fancy Farm Picnic.

Some of Kentucky’s most prominent leaders may start warming up their best zingers – political speeches will resume at the Fancy Farm Picnic after a year-long hiatus caused by COVID-19.

Organizers confirmed on Monday that the picnic and speeches were open for this year. Bob Babbage, former Kentucky secretary of state and auditor, will host the political speech – a rite of passage for statewide candidates in Bluegrass State.

The picnic – also known for its barbecue – is scheduled for August 7 in the community of Fancy Farm in far western Kentucky. Last year’s picnic was cut back and political speeches canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic.

With more people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, “we feel comfortable having a traditional picnic this year,” said Steven Elder, chair of the Picnic Political Speech.

“Watching the (Kentucky) Derby on Saturday was a blessing for any Kentuckian,” he said in a telephone interview. “And knowing that we are preparing and planning the Fancy Farm Picnic is just another thing. It’s a normal return to life.

The political picnic speech is the traditional start of the fall campaign season in Kentucky. It’s a non-election year, but attention is already turning to next year’s U.S. Senate race and the 2023 campaign for governor. The speeches are broadcast on national television.

The Picnic is a fundraiser for the Catholic Church and St. Jerome School.

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