TEAM KENTUCKY

61st

Inauguration

DECEMBER 10, 2019

Andy Beshear

Governor


Jacqueline Coleman

Lieutenant Governor

ABOUT

In the spirit of the inaugural theme, “Team Kentucky,” all inaugural events will be free and open to the public, including two Inaugural Balls on the state Capitol grounds.

The chair of the Inaugural Committee is Tommy Elliott. The inauguration’s honorary co-chairs include State Rep. Rocky Adkins, Lonnie Ali, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, former Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, Covington Mayor Joe Meyer, and State Rep. Patti Minter.

All events are Eastern time and events marked "Watch on KET" will be broadcast live on the KET network.

EVENTS

  • 7:30 a.m.

    Inaugural Breakfast Reception, Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History

    The reception, hosted by the citizens of Frankfort and Franklin County, is open to all inaugural visitors. The museum will offer a continental breakfast featuring foods from Kentucky State Parks, B's Bakery and Poppy's Bakery. Entertainment during the reception will be provided by Emilia Bustle of UK's College of Fine Arts, the Second Street School children's choir and the Kentucky State University Faculty/Student Jazz Collective.

    All exhibits at the History Center are free on Tuesday. Exhibits include the Hall of Governors and the perennial Holiday History Train. The Old State Capitol and Kentucky Military Museum will also be open to the public and free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • 8:30 a.m.

    Inaugural Worship Service, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

    Kentuckians are invited to participate in this non-denominational worship service. The service will feature music from the choirs of Bates Memorial Baptist Church and Kentucky State University. Messages and Prayers will be offered by Dr. Charisse Gillett of Lexington Theological Seminary; Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport of the Temple, Louisville; Rev. Rob Shrader of Beargrass Christian Church, Louisville; Rev. Dr. John Opsata of First Christian Church, Frankfort; and Rev. Dr. Valerie Washington of Hughlett Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, Louisville.

    Seating is limited, but the worship service will be streamed online at facebook.com/1stChristianFrankfort. Frankfort Plant Board subscribers can watch on local channels 10 and 510.

    To support Kentucky's vulnerable families, worshipers are invited to bring coats and toys for donation to local charities.

  • 10 a.m. to Noon

    Watch on KET

    Inaugural Parade

    Kentucky educators will serve as Grand Marshals, including 2020 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Erin Ball of Georgetown Middle School in Scott County, and 2019 National Education Association Education Support Professional of the Year Matthew Powell of Graves County Central Elementary School.

    The traditional inaugural parade will begin at High Street at the Old Governor’s Mansion and will conclude in front of the Capitol. Gov. Beshear and Britainy Beshear 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.

    Download Inauguration Guide  

  • 1 p.m.

    Inaugural Prelude, Capitol Steps

    Musicians from across Kentucky will perform, including:

    • 202nd Army Band, Kentucky National Guard; Chief Warrant Officer Gregory Stepp, director
    • Harlan Boys Choir; Marilyn Schraeder and Marybeth Christman, directors
    • Northern Pulaski Middle School Honors Choir; June Correll, director
    • Louisville Eastern High School Chamber Singers; Lori J. Knapke, director

  • 2 p.m.

    Watch on KET

    Swearing-in Ceremony, Capitol

    Seating is available for the public, and visitors may line up along the Capitol’s grand front steps to witness the ceremony.

    The ceremony will be emceed by Kentucky educators Cathy Carter, Scott Collier and Laura Hartke, and will feature musical performances by Patricia Mathison, Jason Clayborn, Christian Bishop, the Harlan Boys Choir and Linkin’ Bridge.

    Lt. Gov. Coleman will be sworn in first, with Justice Michelle M. Keller of the Kentucky Supreme Court administering the oath of office. Gov. Beshear will then be sworn in by Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr.

  • Immediately following Swearing-in Ceremony

    State Capitol Open House

    Kentuckians are welcome to tour the state’s century-old capitol and enjoy the beautiful decorations prior to the evening’s celebrations. Winners of First Lady Beshear’s Team Kentucky poster contest will be recognized at this time.

  • 8 p.m.

    Watch on KET

    The Grand March, Capitol Rotunda

    The Grand March is a formal presentation of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and other constitutional officers, who will be sworn in Jan. 6. Music for the Grand March will be provided by the Louisville Orchestra, led by music director Teddy Abrams. Attire for this event is black tie optional. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

  • 9 to Midnight

    Inaugural Balls, Capitol Grounds

    Gov. Beshear invites Kentuckians to celebrate on Capitol grounds in two side-by-side inaugural balls adjacent to the Capitol. The parties will be catered by Kentucky State Parks and will serve some of the Commonwealth’s favorite foods. Attire for this event is black tie optional. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.

RSVP

All inaugural events will be free and open to the public.
We encourage everyone planning to attend to RSVP.

RSVP NOW


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