By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-851132.mp3
Tony McVeigh interviews Al Cross.
Frankfort, KY – The epicenter of Kentucky politics each August, the annual Fancy Farm picnic, is now just one week away. Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeigh has been chatting with the master of ceremonies for this year's 129th picnic.
For almost 16 years, Al Cross was the political reporter for the Louisville Courier-Journal. Now he heads the University of Kentucky's Institute for Rural Journalism. But next Saturday, Cross will be the emcee for the political speaking at the annual Fancy Farm picnic in far western Kentucky. "It's a great honor to be the master of ceremonies at Kentucky's premier political event, but I am not looking forward at all to wearing a tie at Fancy Farm."
That's because August afternoons in Graves County tend to be pretty hot and humid. Cross says he's disappointed Gov. Steve Beshear is skipping this year's picnic. Beshear says he and his family will be on a well-deserved vacation. Beshear's running mate in the 2011 governor's race, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, will be there but won't be making a speech.