Kentucky’s annual Fancy Farm picnic is often considered the premier political event in the Commonwealth. It attracts people from all walks of life. One first-time attendee said it was not exactly what he expected.
University of Kentucky Political Scientist Steven Voss has kept his finger on the pulse of Commonwealth politics for years, but until this past Saturday had never been to Fancy Farm. Voss said early in the day many locals gathered at one end of the picnic site for bingo and other games.
“While the political area was empty for hours. A lot of the locals left then before the sort of invasion from outsiders. All the cars from Jefferson County and Fayette County and other places farther away with their political flags flying,” said Voss.
While one part of the event is highly politically focused, Voss doesn’t think it sways voters much.
“I don’t see Fancy Farm is going to make a difference in terms of the election outcomes. In terms of West Kentucky or Western Kentucky voters, I’m not sure hardly anyone uncommitted heard that talk. It was very much a partisan crowd,” said Voss.
Voss likened it to a college athletic event where most everyone knows which team they are pulling for.
Voss said Fancy Farm did have its virtues, one part pep rally and kind of a corporate retreat where activists could bond together as they go out to canvass the Commonwealth. And Voss added the local community got tourism dollars.
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