Special to NKyTribune
The Guidugli Family Picnic, one of Northern Kentucky’s great political traditions, is returning to Campbell County after more than a decade and just in time for November’s statewide elections.
The picnic will be held Sunday, Sept. 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Guidugli Landscape Supply & Property Services, 8770 Constable Drive in Alexandria.
Among the expected guests are Kentucky Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andy Beshear and his running mate, Jacqueline Coleman, and former Miss America Heather French Henry, the Democratic candidate for Secretary of State. The public is invited to attend. Drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Picnic at Guidugli Landscape Supply & Property Services
For years, the picnic was held at the Cold Spring home of Dave Guidugli, a former member of Cold Spring City Council and a leader in organized labor. He hosted the picnic along with members of the Guidugli family, a well-known Italian-American family that has been active in Northern Kentucky politics for many years.
The picnic was and is once again a “can’t miss” stop for Democrats — and a few Republicans — running for statewide and local office. Former Gov. Paul Patton Lt. Gov. Steve Henry — husband of Heather French Henry — were regular guests at the late summer event. The last picnic was held in 2008.
“It was such a great tradition for so many years, that with his being an election year, the family decided it was time to bring the picnic back,” Dave Guidugli said. “A lot of people have asked over the years for us to have the picnic, so we should have a pretty good crowd.”
Members of the Guidugli family are ingrained in local politics. Several family members hold, have held, or have run for office, including:
• Tom Guidugli Sr., the former mayor of Newport and current executive director of Neighborhood Foundations/Newport Housing Authority.
• Tom Guidugli Jr., who currently serves as Newport vice mayor and a member of the Newport City Commission.
• Steve Guidugli, a long-time member of Bellevue City Council.
• Mariann Guidugli Dunn, the former Campbell County Property Value Administrator (PVA).
• Retired Judge Dan Guidugli, who served as a judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals as well as a Campbell County District Court Judge.
• Dave Guidugli, who also ran for Campbell County jailer and county commissioner as a Fort Thomas resident.
