Coleman will not attend Fancy Farm, conflicts with event supporting cancer survivors

Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman during the 143rd Fancy Farm Picnic on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

Democratic Lt. Gov. Jaqueline Coleman will not be attending the Fancy Farm Picnic because she will be attending an event to support cancer survivors — a cause she says is personal to her because of a recent medical diagnosis.

The Graves County church picnic has become a Kentucky politics highlight over its decades-long history. Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed with organizers last week that he also will not attend this year.

“Fancy Farm is a uniquely Kentucky event, and sadly, I will miss the barbs and bbq due to a commitment I made on the heels of my health diagnosis earlier this year,” Coleman said in a statement to the Kentucky Lantern.

Instead, Coleman will be at a Horses and Hope’s Race Day in Henderson with cancer survivors, a cause that “has become very personal to me,” she said. Horses and Hope was started in 2008 by former First Lady Jane Beshear, the current governor’s mother, along with the Kentucky Cancer Program and University of Louisville with additional support from the Pink Stable.

Coleman underwent a double mastectomy in December after she and Beshear won reelection. She said in a previous interview with the Lantern that she did not have cancer but was unsure until after pathology results came in after the surgery.

“While I’ll miss seeing friends and supporters, I was just in Graves County on Thursday dedicating a home to a family who lost theirs in the 2021 tornado,” Coleman said. “Every time I’m there it is a reminder of what a special place west Kentucky is, and how important the people are to Team Kentucky. I look forward to being back very soon.”

Coleman was among politicians who attended last year’s picnic. Among those confirmed to be attending are state-wide Republican officers Attorney General Russell Coleman, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and Treasurer Mark Metcalf.

The Fancy Farm Picnic is set for Saturday, Aug. 3, and political speakers will begin at 2 p.m local time. Father Jim Sichko , of Lexington, will be this year’s emcee.