Mary Potter
Tuesday, August 9, 2016 4:02 pm
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(Fancy Farm 2016) - Visitors to St. Jerome's Picnic forget that the Picnic is a family affair. The political speaking may be the draw for thousands from outside of Graves County. It's not why most locals visit the parish the first weekend of August. Families schedule reunions. Bingo is played. Children are entertained and then there's the zillions of pounds of barbecue.
Every year, Graves County honors residents who have contributed with the Pioneer Award. This year, there were two presentations,
Dennis Wilson was honored for his work on restoration of St. Jerome's Parish properties. The modest Wilson said that he came up to accept the award but was taking time off from working. "I will let you get back to it" he said before leaving the stage.
Hugh and Jill Kirby dreamed of Cartwright Grove, a replica of a pioneer Western town, to be built on the Graves County Fairgrounds. That dream came true when the first board buildings were erected by volunteers. Local businesses help with funds and ideas. Cartwright Grove is a work in progress that continues to expand in Mayfield.
Some picnic goers opt for mutton and pork sandwiches on the fairway. Others choose to eat hearty at the Knights of Columbus building. Pictured at right: Lines form early and wind into the parking lot in busy years.
The wait is worth it. For $15, it's all you can eat of homegrown produce, homemade desserts, fried chicken and oh, that barbecue! 
Volunteers fill steam tables, deliver drinks and buss tables. It's all hands on deck at the Knights of Columbus.