Sen. Mitch McConnell has attended the annual political picnic in Fancy Farm for decades and helped convert it from a picnic where Democrats dominated to one where they’re praised for showing up. The emcee for the breakfast, Corey Elder, said that without McConnell, “Fancy Farm would not look the same.” But this year, McConnell missed what would have been his 31st Fancy Farm, and it’s not because of Senate business. Fancy Farm native Sarah Darnell says she almost always skips the political speaking part of the picnic, heading straight for the barbecue and bingo. Gary Walters, a Republican who drove in from Louisville for Fancy Farm, said he’s watched McConnell’s career since before he was senator.