FRANKFORT — Like so many who follow Kentucky politics, I’m looking forward to Fancy Farm next weekend (Aug. 7-8). Yes it will be hot and yes it’s a long drive. But it’s sort of like the Kentucky Derby — if you live in Kentucky, you ought to attend at least one Fancy Farm picnic.

With Republican Rand Paul and Democrat Jack Conway running for retiring Sen. Jim Bunning’s seat and the attention the race is drawing, this should be a good year to try Fancy Farm if you’ve never been. Actually, given the wonderful people down there, the incredible food, and the entertainment value of the political stump speaking, pretty much any year is worth the trip. But this one could be special.

Gov. Steve Beshear will speak — will he launch into Paul or perhaps Senate President David Williams who is openly talking of running for governor? Will Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo endorse Conway? Think Sen. Mitch McConnell might blast President Barack Obama and say he needs Paul to stop the liberal Democratic agenda?

Some things at Fancy Farm are predictable, but some aren’t. It was at last year’s event that a couple of reporters began thinking Paul might be a serious threat to win the Republican primary. This year, Paul will face more scrutiny and he’ll be the target of more heckling by Democrats. How will he perform? How will his supporters — many of whom see the campaign as a holy crusade — respond to the rude treatment of their candidate?

There’s also change at Fancy Farm. No profanity allowed! Last year, Conway (in an attempt to do what?) said the crowd was looking at one tough son of a gun — or something close to that. Whatever he was trying to convey, it didn’t work and his campaign’s subsequent mishandling of the controversy turned a one-day story into a week’s worth. (Conway has done much the same thing this year with an apparent promise by campaign staff to help Mongiardo retire a campaign debt.). Republicans will remind Conway next Saturday of last year’s gaffe. How they do that without disobeying the ban on profanity will be interesting.

Those aren’t the complete list of speakers, but they’re the headliners. No Bunning and no “little green men” chasing him. But there’ll be some theater and you’ll see friends you haven’t seen since Fancy Farm last year. You’ll encounter a few characters as well. Come on Friday and attend your favorite party’s Friday evening pep rally at a nearby state park or come to the fish fry on the picnic grounds. Stick around and watch Comment on Kentucky which will air from there Friday night. Then on Saturday, head out to Fancy Farm for one of the best home-cooked meals and wildest political experiences you’ll ever enjoy.

Go with friends, preferably the ones who know old political tales of Fancy Farm picnics past and an older generation of pols like Happy Chandler, Alben Barkley, Louie Nunn and Wendell Ford — all of whom knew how to tell a story, give a fiery speech and scald an opponent. If Conway needs any examples, those were four tough — ahem — politicians with thick hides.

Fortunately for those who can’t make the trip, KET will broadcast this year’s speeches live. So, if you can’t or won’t make that long drive, settle back and watch. It may not be the same as being there — and you’ll miss all that food and flavor —but you can bet it’ll be a good show.

Ronnie Ellis writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com. Follow CNHI News Service stories on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cnhifrankfort.