The Fancy Farm Picnic’s political chair Mark Wilson says Democrats and Republicans offered positive feedback following a conference call to encourage a more civil atmosphere at this year's picnic.
Wilson, along with St. Jerome Parish pastor Darrell Venters, orchestrated the phone call last week that included Kentucky Democratic Party chair Dan Logsdon, Republican party chair Steve Robertson and the campaign managers for both Sen. Mitch McConnell and Senate hopeful Alison Lundergan Grimes.
“Without getting into specifics, all of the four folks that we dealt with were very positive," Wilson said. "They were very supportive of our efforts and they thought it was due also for us to try to take action.”
Wilson said besides wanting a civil and respectful venue, he also wants a quieter one, so those attending can hear the candidates over the din.
"It's been very evident the last few years that there's an organized and orchestrated, choreographed effort by some of the major campaigns to just try to shout out the speaker," Wilson said. "I call it a 'screamfest' for lack of better terminology."
Wilson said that emcee Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham has also pledged his support to the effort.
The political speaking will get underway Saturday at 2 p.m.
