Osborne named to emcee 142nd Fancy Farm Picnic

Kentucky's Speaker of the House, David Osborne, will be the emcee for the 142nd St. Jerome Picnic in Fancy Farm in August. 

“Each year we try to rotate political parties and throw in a media personality ever so often, but this year it’s the Republican’s turn to emcee our great political event,” said Steven Elder, political chairman of the picnic.

Last year’s emcee was political lobbyist Bob Babbage, who served as state auditor and secretary of state.

Elder said he's excited Speaker Osborne accepted the invitation to be emcee. 

“The Fancy Farm Picnic is a great political tradition in the Commonwealth, and each year it is challenging to decide on an emcee. We are fortunate to have so many people come to western Kentucky each year for the event, and certainly fortunate to secure Speaker Osborne as our master of ceremonies.”

The last Speaker of the House to emcee the picnic was Democrat Jody Richards in 2006.

Over the last few years, in addition to introducing the candidates to speak, the emcee has delivered a little commentary to get the event going.

“As someone who has enjoyed many Fancy Farm picnics over the years, it is an incredible privilege to serve as emcee,” Osborne added. “While we all know the political rhetoric can get as hot as the temperature, the Fancy Farm tradition is a unique and quintessential Kentucky experience.”

This year’s picnic is shaping up to be one for the books as several constitutional officers have already declared their candidacy for the highest office in the Commonwealth. 

State Auditor Mike Harmon, Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, all Republicans, have announced their candidacies for governor. 

Democrat Governor Andy Beshear is running for a second term. 

Senator Rand Paul won the Republican Primary for his reelection campaign to the Senate and Charles Booker secured the Democratic nomination for the matchup.

This year's picnic will be held on August 6.