Plenty of mud at 143rd Fancy Farm Picnic

The 143rd Fancy Farm Picnic served up not only great BBQ but also some fiery exchanges between opponents seeking statewide office. 

The morning rains on Saturday meant many of the parking areas were messy, but the crowd turned out to see Governor Andy Beshear's return to the picnic to face off with his challenger, Attorney General Daniel Cameron. In fact, all the candidates running for jobs in Frankfort showed up to face the people.

Candidates were joined by Kentucky Senator and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Congressman James Comer, outgoing Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles, and Mike Harmon who is wrapping up eight years as State Auditor.

Not only were the eyes of Kentucky on Fancy Farm with statewide television coverage from KET and Spectrum News 1, but national media also made their way to Graves County for the event since Kentucky is one of only three states with a gubernatorial election in 2023. 

Cameron won the toss and was first to speak. He went right after Beshear with the opening salvo about a photo Beshear took with members of a group of anti-Christian drag queens called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Cameron said that Beshear met with the Sisters more than the General Assembly, even going so far as to ask, "Governor, are you auditioning for a job with Bud Light's marketing team?" 

Cameron touted his selection of a running mate, State Senator Robby Mills of Henderson, as proof that he would foster a relationship with the legislature. He promised he would fight to keep gender ideology out of schools, keep boys out of girls' sports, and support teachers to make sure they have the tools to do their jobs. Cameron said that he would make sure that schools would be about reading, writing, and math. He said he would support police, and also fight the federal government to protect the coal industry. 

Beshear in his first Fancy Farm appearance in four years claimed his western Kentucky roots. The incumbent opened up on his challenger saying Cameron would show up for politics, but not tornado survivors. Beshear tried to recover from using the tornado as a talking point by saying that Mayfield and Graves County had shown not only resilience but how Kentuckians take care of one another. 

Beshear took shots at Cameron's running mate Robby Mills, by alluding to stories that several others had turned Cameron down, including Quarles. He went on to take credit for a booming economy in Kentucky and a record budget surplus and touting his record of investment in broadband and clean water. The governor invoked his faith before saying the two campaigns were the difference between "vision and division," accusing the Republicans of name-calling and trying to turn Kentuckians against one another. 

Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman opened up trying to tie Cameron and the Republicans to Matt Bevin. She gave Beshear credit for the budget surplus and said that with it they could give teachers a raise, something they talked about four years ago. Coleman said Beshear had a great example in his father, former Governor Steve Beshear. Coleman said she "would rather be Steve Beshear's son, than Mitch McConnell's puppet."

State Senator Robby Mills said that their administration would put Kentucky back on the right track. He introduced himself to Beshear and said it was good to see him outside a press conference. Mills said Beshear might not know who he is because he is a member of the legislature, "You know, that co-equal branch of government." Mills said that Cameron has fought for Kentucky values every day as attorney general and would continue that fight as governor. Mills also noted that if elected, he would be the only constitutional officer from west of I-65.

The voters of Kentucky will make their decision on who will lead the Commonwealth on November 7th, 2023. 


1) Kentucky Attorney General and Republican nominee for governor Daniel Cameron speaks at the annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. (Scott Utterback/Courier Journal via AP)

2) Gov. Andy Beshear speaks at the annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. (Scott Utterback/Courier Journal via AP)