Fancy Farm

Abramson Joins Fancy Farm Haters

Phillip M. Bailey — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:05:00 +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 Governor Jerry Abramson is taking a hit for calling the annual Fancy Farm picnic outdated, but he isn't the first elected official to share his distaste for the raucous event.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:

Comer Upset Over Abramson's Dismissal of Fancy Farm Picnic

Kenny Colston — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:41:05 +0000

Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson's assertion that the Fancy Farm picnic is no longer a relevant political event has inspired a growing backlash.

In remarks reported by CN2, Abramson dismissed the picnic, saying it's too rowdy. But Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, who emceed this year's event, says when statewide officials skip the picnic, as Abramson did this year, it hurts the church and community that put the event on.

Fancy Farm Speeches Focus on Missing Democrats

Kenny Colston — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 21:45:38 +0000

The absence of many Democrats gave Republicans plenty of fodder at this year's Fancy Farm Picnic.

Republicans from U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell down to local legislative candidates took shots at state Democrats and President Barack Obama throughout the event.

“And so I think we ought to take a quick attendance check here as we get started. Governor Beshear are you here," McConnell said, with Republicans in the audience responding with a loud “No.”

Fancy Farm Preview From Kenny Colston

Brad Yost — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 11:00:47 +0000

The annual Fancy Farm Picnic in western Kentucky threatens to be a tad dull this year for regular attendees accustomed to fiery political rhetoric and mud-slinging. The reason: a curious absence of many prominent politicians. Most of Kentucky's elected Democrats announced plans to skip this year's picnic, and there will be few prominent Republicans present.

AARP Will Launch Bus Tour at Fancy Farm

Kenny Colston — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 16:32:51 +0000

The nation’s leading organization for seniors will use this year's Fancy Farm picnic to launch a nationwide tour to help voters be better informed about Social Security and Medicare.

Most Kentucky Democrats Will Not Speak at Fancy Farm

Kenny Colston — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:53:16 +0000

Statewide Smoking Ban Advocates Launch Fancy Farm Road Tour to Pump Up Support

Kenny Colston — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Advocates of a statewide smoking ban are taking their issue on a five day tour before Fancy Farm to drum up support.

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.

Big Names Skipping Fancy Farm Speaking This Year

Kenny Colston — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:14:23 +0000

Many of Kentucky’s most prominent elected officials are opting to skip this year’s Fancy Farm political picnic.

Governor Steve Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson announced yesterday, that they would skip the picnic. House Speaker Greg Stumbo will speak in Beshear’s place.

Beshear Will Miss Fancy Farm for Economic Trip

Kenny Colston — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:05:36 +0000

An overseas economic trip will prevent Governor Steve Beshear from participating in this year’s Fancy Farm political speaking.

The governor’s office announced that Beshear will be in Germany and France for the next few weeks to encourage companies there to bring business to Kentucky.

In May, the governor took a similar trip to Taiwan and Japan.

Update: Romney Campaign Representative Will Speak at Fancy Farm

Kenny Colston — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:23:52 +0000

Update: Picnic emcee and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says, despite claims from Fancy Farm officials, no surrogate has been named. This story has been modified.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney will send a surrogate to this year’s Fancy Farm Picnic.