Fancy Farm could be presidential campaign affair
By Ryan Alessi
ralessi@herald-leader.com
The Fancy Farm picnic is Aug. 2 on the grounds of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Fancy Farm in far Western Kentucky. The picnic, which features an $8 lunch at the Knights of Columbus building, begins at 10 a.m. CDT. Candidates speak at 2 p.m.
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is considering a cameo appearance at this August's Fancy Farm picnic in Western Kentucky, which would add national flair to the storied political event.
Talks between the campaign and picnic organizers heated up Friday, with Obama aides calling twice that morning to check on logistical details, said Mark Wilson, co-chairman of the annual event that's famous for its smoky barbecue as well as its spicy political speaking and theatrics.
”They think the chances are better than 50-50 that he'll come,“ Wilson said. ”They're definitely mulling it around in a serious way.“
The Obama campaign wouldn't confirm interest in the event, saying only that the Illinois senator's schedule isn't set more than five days in advance.
But Wilson said he has talked with a campaign spokesman, whom he declined to name, several times over the last month, including the two conversations Friday.
”They wanted to know the size of the crowds for the political speaking in a normal year and what could be expected if he speaks — just some general stuff,“ he said.
Most years, the picnic usually attracts about 10,000 people, but that could easily exceed 15,000 with a presidential candidate on hand, Wilson said.
Reporters from across Kentucky make the trip annually, but they could be joined by those from Nashville, nearby Cape Girardeau, Mo., southern Illinois and even southern Indiana.
And Obama might not be the only presidential contender interested.
Wilson said Republican Party of Kentucky spokeswoman Andi Johnson has called to get information in case Republican candidate John McCain decides to go.
”They're working on Sen. McCain and want us to keep them posted on the Obama side, too,“ Wilson said.
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