By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Governor-elect Andy Beshear and future first lady Britainy Beshear have announced the schedule of events for Inauguration Day on Dec. 10.
“This is a time for all Kentuckians to come together as one team, Team Kentucky,” said Mrs. Beshear at a press conference at the Capitol. “It’s about the Commonwealth and the common good, the goals that we all share.”
The governor-elect also announced something different this year: “All events are going to be free and open to the public. We believe that not just the Capitol doors, but all of state government should always be open to the people that it serves; and the people who come to work with, to talk to those in state government, ought to feel heard.”
The first activity of the day will be an inaugural breakfast reception at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, starting at 7:30. The event is hosted by the people of Frankfort and will offer light breakfast food and beverages.
At 8:30 a.m., First Christian Church will be the site of the inaugural worship service, a non-denominational ceremony in preparation for the day’s events.
The Inaugural Parade is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. It will begin on High Street at the Old Governor’s Mansion and head up Capital Avenue, concluding in front of the Capitol. Gov. Beshear, his wife, Britainy, and their children, Will and Lila; will join Lt. Gov. Coleman, husband Chris O’Bryan and their children, Will, Nate and Emma; in open horse-drawn carriages provided by the Kentucky Horse Park.
At 1 p.m. on the Capitol steps, the inaugural prelude will feature musicians from across Kentucky. Performers include the Kentucky National Guard’s 202nd Army Band, The Harlan Boys Choir, the Northern Pulaski Middle School Honors Choir and Louisville Eastern High School’s Chamber Singers.
The public swearing-in ceremony takes place at 2 p.m., featuring musical performances by Patricia Mathison, Jason Clayborn, Christian Bishop, the Harlan Boys Choir and Linkin’ Bridge.
Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. will swear in Gov. Beshear and Justice Michelle M. Keller of the Kentucky Supreme Court will swear in Lt. Gov. Coleman.
There will be a new activity this year. “Immediately following the public swearing-in, we will literally and figuratively open the doors to the Capitol for a welcome reception,” said Mrs. Beshear. “The State Capitol belongs to the people, and this event symbolizes our commitment and openness of access to your government.”
The traditional Grand March takes place at 8 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda, with a formal presentation of the new governor, lieutenant governor, and the other constitutional officers, who will be sworn in Jan. 6. The Louisville Orchestra will provide music for the event. Attire is black-tie optional.
The last event of the day is the two Inaugural Balls, which run from 9 p.m. to midnight, side-by-side on the Capitol grounds. Both parties will be catered by Kentucky State Parks personnel, serving some of Kentucky’s favorite foods. Attire is black-tie optional.
For more information on the events, go to kentucky.govCo
