|
Nestled among natures beauty, approximately
ten miles due west of the county seat of Mayfield, lies the small community of Fancy Farm, population
approximately six hundred, famous for, unbelievable though it may seem, a
picnic. The Fancy Farm Picnic, which is well over 100 years old, has
been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest one day picnic
and bar-b-que in the world. It was built by years of friendship, cooperation,
and determination and boasts many facets that have remained with the same
families for generations. Though it has progressed with the times, it is still
the same down-home style picnic people enjoy as evidenced by the thousands that
attend every year.
 
The picnic is always held the first Saturday in August,
however, because so many people enjoy coming out to see the meat go on the pits
the day before, and then spend the day watching the once quiet school grounds
turn into a bustling bee-hive, extra effort was given to entertain the browser. On Friday morning at 8 a.m., over 18,000 pounds of fresh pork
and mutton is put on the pits to cook slowly, eventually sending out an aroma
that attacks even the hard to please taste-buds.
Early Friday afternoon, the St. Jerome Classic takes place, a
special run for the youngsters, or those that like to compete at a slower pace. Immediately following is a 5K Fun Run.
It is attended by
many people from across the United States. Registration applications are
available at local stores in Mayfield and Paducah. They will be mailed to
out-of-state runners by contacting the Fun
Run Chairmen, Eric and Alina Wilson.ewilson@galaxycable.net
Trophies and prizes are given for all runs. 5 to 8 p.m., the annual Knights of Columbus
fish fry takes place at the K of C Hall in the heart of Fancy Farm.
Enjoy all you can eat mouth-watering farm raised cat fish and
all the trimmings. A variety of other snacks will be available on the grounds
later that evening.
The fun continues back on the picnic grounds with country and
square dance music. Picnic starts Saturday morning at 10 a.m. There is no
admission fee and plenty of free parking. Famous for our home-cooked, all you can eat dinners served in
air-conditioned comfort from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Over 400 pounds each of potato
salad and slaw is consumed every year along with a variety of vegetables and
desserts. Rounding out the meal is our famous bar-b-que and fried chicken.
Hamburgers, hotdogs, bar-b-que sandwiches, ice cream, and
drinks are on the grounds all day as well as bar-b-que by the pound.
Fun and games for all ages.
Political speaking from 2-4 featuring local, state and
national figures. Over the years many of the heated debates have brought famous
people and headlines.
The country store, a favorite of many, features handmade
items, quilts and crafts, jams and jellies.
Continuous live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for
your dancing pleasure. At 10 p.m. a new automobile will be given away to a lucky
ticket holder. Winner need not be present. Tickets are available to those out of
state by contacting ticket chairman. Come and enjoy some good old-fashioned southern hospitality
at Fancy Farm, Kentucky, the first Friday and Saturday in August annually.
To avoid disappointment, please make hotel and motel reservations early.
For specific information:
St. Jerome Rectory
Fancy Farm, Kentucky 42039
(270) 623-8181
or
Mayfield-Graves County Chamber of Commerce
E. College
Mayfield, Kentucky 42066
(270) 247-6101
Return to main page
|
