MELBOURNE — The politicians won't outnumber the guests at today's 35th annual Campbell County Senior Citizens Picnic. It will only seem that way.

        Put 1,000 or so senior citizens in a picnic ground during an election year, and the politicians will get there quicker than the ants. That's what happens every year at the county's senior citizen picnic and it's what organizers expect at Pendery Park in Melbourne.

        “Oh, yes, all the politicians will be here,” Pat Dressman, Campbell County director of human services, said Tuesday as she worked setting up for the picnic. “They always are. As long as they have a ticket.”

        Politicians pay $15 to attend; seniors, $8, Ms. Dressman said. The picnic begins at noon and features a hot dog lunch, bingo, horseshoes, dancing, the crowning of the picnic king and queen, soft drinks and beer, and a chicken dinner at 4 p.m. Sponsors and the Campbell County Fiscal Court pick up the tab, and anyone age 60 or older — not just Campbell County residents — is welcome to attend.

        For years the picnic was held in August, but the stifling heat of the last few summers persuaded organizers to move this year's event to mid-September.

        “It doesn't look like we're going to have the heat this year,” Ms. Dressman said. “Now, we just have to hope the rain holds off.”

        If it does rain, the picnic will be moved back one day to Thursday, she said.

        Given that federal, state and local elections will be held this fall, lots of candidates are expected to attend.

        “They have to leave their campaign materials on tables, and if people want them, they can pick them up, but we don't want the politicians walking around, handing that stuff out,” Ms. Dressman said. “The politicians can volunteer to help with the meal, but they can't give any speeches.

        “Politics has always been a big part of the picnic because the people that come are the ones who vote,” she said. “But we want this event to be about the seniors, not just politics.”

        Campbell County Commonwealth Attorney Jack Porter, a Fort Thomas Democrat, isn't on the ballot this year, but still plans to attend.

        “I enjoy being out there and running into people that I don't see any other time of the year except at the picnic,” Mr. Porter said. “I see people I've known for years.”

        Mr. Porter also sees the political advantage of attending. “It's a good place to make contacts,” he admitted. “You don't want to miss it.”

        Gov. Paul Patton usually attends, but will be in Washington at a meeting of the National Governors Association, which he chairs.

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