FANCY FARM, Ky. — The 144th annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic is Saturday, Aug. 3, and while its political figures and speeches make headlines around Kentucky, it's the family tradition that has kept it going for nearly 150 years.

What You Need To Know

  • St. Jerome Catholic Church will host the 144th annual Fancy Farm Picnic Saturday, Aug. 3 

  • The church will roast and sell 18,000 pounds of pork and mutton 

  • Along with speeches from Kentucky politicians, generations of families reunite and volunteer at the picnic

While August in Kentucky may be hot, just wait until Andy Hayden lights up 100 feet of barbecue pits. 

"I've been to 42 St. Jerome Fancy Farm picnics," said Hayden, 42, St. Jerome Picnic chairman. 

That kind of stat is not unusual for the families who have lived in this corner of Graves County for generations. Part of what makes the St. Jerome picnic such a long-standing tradition is its focus on family, Hayden said.

“We like to get our youth involved as early as possible just so they understand what goes into it, and that way, they can also be ready to help take over,” Hayden said.

A short church service will happen Friday morning, Aug. 2, at 7 a.m. under the Bingo Pavilion. There will be a blessing of the meat immediately following the service.

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