Thousands of people are expected to converge on western Kentucky Saturday as the 146th Fancy Farm Picnic once again brings together barbecue, politics and one of the nation’s most closely watched political speaking events. The political speaking begins at 2:00 Saturday under the pavilion at St. Jerome Catholic Church, but activities start much earlier. This year’s lineup includes Republican U.S. Senate nominee Andy Barr, Democratic nominee Charles Booker and Kentucky Party candidate Chris Campbell. One notable absence will be retiring U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, who announced he will not attend because of health concerns. While politics draws national television cameras each year, Elder said the picnic remains rooted in its community tradition.