[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 126 (Monday, July 19, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S4947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MARK AND LORI WILSON

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, for the past 15 years, Mark and Lori 
Wilson have been key organizers of Kentucky's legendary Fancy Farm 
Picnic, held annually at St. Jerome Catholic Church. This event brings 
together elected officials and spectators from all over the 
Commonwealth for good-natured debate and celebration. For decades, the 
impassioned speeches and zingers delivered at the Fancy Farm Picnic 
have riveted Kentuckians and brought nationwide fame to the event's 
namesake hometown. The picnic also serves as a significant fundraiser 
for St. Jerome, providing resources for the church's elementary school 
and charitable efforts serving the community. All this success would 
never have been possible without the dedicated leadership of local 
volunteers like Mark and Lori.
  Every year, Mark and Lori welcome upwards of 15,000 attendees to 
Fancy Farm, KY, but that is merely the most widely known aspect of 
their work. They are also deeply involved in St. Jerome, helping the 
church year-round with its public service efforts. Mark is a longtime 
member of the western Kentucky agriculture industry, often humorously 
comparing his role at the Fancy Farm Picnic to farming: ``like growing 
a crop of tobacco, it's a thirteen-month job.'' The couple are classic 
Kentuckians, dedicated to community and tradition.
  Though the Fancy Farm Picnic was canceled last year due to the 
coronavirus pandemic, Mark and Lori built a strong foundation for the 
event to continue full-speed ahead this year. Under the leadership of 
their successor Steven Elder, Fancy Farm will continue to captivate the 
Commonwealth with its annual festival of bingo, barbecue, and amicable 
banter.
  Mark and Lori have dedicated countless hours to their church, 
community, and State. On behalf of the Senate, I would like to express 
our gratitude for their committed work in support of the Commonwealth.

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