And 145 years of the Fancy Farm picnic.

You may think we've seen it all.

But this year will mark a first.

A woman will serve as the emcee, Ashley Wyatt's as president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and I spoke with her this week to see how she's preparing for the podium.

So actually, I have to know your reaction when you were first asked to emcee Fancy Farm.

I was really excited.

I got the call several months ago and I have worked in and around politics and government for over 20 years.

I'm a lifelong Kentuckian, so Fancy Farm really is the Super Bowl of Kentucky politics, so I was really thrilled and honored to be asked.

And then when I heard that in the 145 years of this tradition and this picnic has been going on, I would be the first female emcee.

I knew that it was a big task, that I knew I needed to do it.

So I've been excited.

I've been preparing all summer, so we'll see how it goes on Saturday.

Tell us about that preparation.

Are you planning on telling some jokes of your own?

I think so that's kind of what is expected at Fancy Farm.

You're supposed to be funny.

You're supposed to be witty.

You're supposed to make Canada's lighthearted jabs.

That's really kind of the theme.

And the tenor.

And so the last several months, I've been kind of whenever I think of a joke, I jot it down.

My husband has helped me quite a bit.

I've also had some staff members that have kind of helped in kind of fine tune.

So I've been practicing the last couple of weeks and I think we're ready and hopefully we'll have some good jokes and some good laughs from the audience.

Oh yes, I'm sure you will.

We can't wait to hear what you have to say when you're on stage.

And again, you mentioned this being historical, that you are going to be the first female emcee at Fancy Farm.

So are you feeling the weight of that moment as well?

You know, it's exciting, but I do think there's some pressure.

145 years is a long time, so to be the first female, is a daunting task.

And I think also to be funny, you know, I'm used to speaking in front of crowds.

I'm used to working with a lot of the people that will be speaking that day, the elected officials and the candidates.

And so that kind of comes naturally to me as a chamber president.

But adding on to that, that what makes Fancy Farm, fancy farm and the jokes and the cheers and the boos and the clapping, that is something I'm usually not accustomed to.

So we'll see how that goes.

But I'm really excited.

Yes, getting that that crowd reaction and real time, that's going to be a lot of fun.

You mentioned a longtime interest in Kentucky politics, so why is this a bucket list item for you to be the emcee?

You know, I guess you could call it that, but I don't know if I'd even thought that I would ever be asked.

I've watched it for as long as I can remember, and he always remember kind of the funny jokes and the one liners and things that politicians and candidates said.

And so I've always been really in tune to Fancy Farm.

But I don't think I'd ever even thought about participating.

I've never run for office.

I've never kind of been a part in a Partizan job.

And so that really wasn't something I ever thought about doing.

But when the fancy farm officials came and said, you know, we're really looking at kind of trying to get people who maybe are a Partizan politician or on one side of the aisle or the other, and we thought you'd be a great fit.

I was just honored and really excited to be asked.

And is that tricky too, because you are keeping that neutral ground?

It is.

You know, it's tricky.

I think as a chamber president where, you know, much of what we do is advocacy.

And so I work with, elected officials on both sides of the aisle.

We have a strong policy agenda.

We're involved in the political atmosphere, for sure.

And so making sure that I can do the job that I was, you know, asked to do and to be lighthearted and to make the jabs and make the jokes, but still on Monday, have a job and be able to work with everyone that's up on stage.

You know, it's a delicate balance, but I think everyone coming to the farm knows the tone and the tenor of Fancy Farm, and they know what to expect, and I think they know me.

I've been kind of in and around this world for many years.

I've been at the chamber for 13 years.

So I have great relationships with the elected officials and the candidates.

So they know me, they know the chamber, and I hope they'll they'll have fun along with me on Saturday.

Yes.

It's all good natured fun, right?

Yes.

I actually do.

I understand correctly that I know you've watched Fancy Farm for a long time, but what about being there in person in Western Kentucky?

Will this be your first time attending in person?

It actually will, I said.

I'm a lifelong Kentucky and I've watched Fancy Farm for many years, but I have never actually traveled there.

And so I'm really excited, to go on Friday and take the road trip, and we're having a dinner in Paducah for some chamber, friends and members and then, of course, experience everything about the picnic on Saturday and eating a great barbecue, meeting all the people down and fancy farm.

So I'm really looking forward to it.

A lot of our chamber friends are coming.

My family is coming, so it'll be a really fun weekend.

Well, actually, we appreciate your time so much.

We wish you the best of luck.

We look forward to seeing you on stage.

Thank you so much.

And.