Each year on the first weekend in August, a small town, located in Western Kentucky, hosts the Worlds Largest Picnic. Fancy Farm, KY, a town made up of 458 residents, gives a weekend full of fun, politics and food to celebrate the end of summer and to kick off the upcoming school year. Locals take pride in their close knit, family like, community and enjoy showing off the church that throws the entire thing, St. Jerome Catholic Church. Whether you're coming for the food or for the politics, there are a few things you won't want to miss out on.
1. Barbeque
Mouth watering doesn't even begin to describe the bold taste of a Fancy Farm barbeque sandwich. Over 10,000 lbs of barbeque is sold during this weekend each year and there's a reason for that. Smoked with perfection and pulled delicately, this food will have you craving a bite months after the picnic ends and months before it begins. The best part? If you don't like it on bread, it's even better on nachos.
2. The 5K Run
What better way to burn off the tasty foods than a 3.2 mile run down the main strip of Fancy Farm? Running with family and friends is a sure way to bond and a good way to make friends when you stop to walk because the heat is killing you. Although the weather is less than admirable, those lining the streets with encouragement and glasses of water make the run worth it. You may even surprise yourself with how fast you make it back to the finish line.
3. Ice Cream
Dipped with love and handled with care, a butter pecan ice cream cone is a must during the humid weekend. Members of the fancy farm community volunteer to work this booth just to hand you the hand dipped cone with a smile on their face. There's no better way to spend your money and no better way to cool off. It may not be homemade but something about this picnic makes the delicious treat taste 10x better than anywhere else.
4. Political Speeches
Republican or Democrat? Who cares! Politicians from both sides make appearances for their voices to be heard and for your questions to be answered. McConnell, Bevin, Conway and Grimes are only a few of the well known politicians who have spent their time on the stage in little ole Fancy Farm, KY. If you want to ask a question that's been on your mind since the elections began, do it. If you want to find a place to make a snide comment to your opposing side then this is your place to be. All opinions are heard and all opinions matter because small town political speeches are this nations backbone ;).
5. Sun Drop
Ever wondered what the taste of heaven is like? Well crack open a cold Sun Drop at this year's picnic and you'll find out. This citrus, fizzy perfection is bound to have your taste buds screaming for more. Nothing goes better with a BBQ sandwich than a lemon lime addition to wash it down. Once you try it, you'll begin to believe the locals when they refer to it as "God's Nectar."
6. St. Jerome Catholic Church
Last, but far from least, is the whole reason this picnic is thrown together. The Catholic Church that hosts the picnic is sure catch your eye as you're walking or driving by. Radiating bright colors and Christian welcomes, it's a church you won't regret attending. Father can relate to anyone and everyone in his sermons, he'll even stop you at the picnic to challenge you to a game of ring toss. You'll instantly feel like you've belonged your entire life and like you have an entire new church family. You'll want to stick around for the next weekend's sermon but don't worry, the picnic happens every year so you'll just have to come back.
