Gov.-elect Beshear announces inauguration plans

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — Governor-elect Andy Beshear is throwing a party and every Kentuckian is invited.

The 61st inauguration is a couple weeks away. Beshear calls it “a time for all Kentuckians to come together on one team”.

“Britainy and I are excited to host Kentuckians from all over the commonwealth on December 10th,” says Beshear.

Two weeks from now the governor-elect and Lieutenant Governor-elect Jacqueline Coleman will be sworn into office on the capitol’s front steps.

“Team Kentucky is bigger than just the people who work or come to this building. It’s about everybody all over this commonwealth being served by the government and being heard by their government,” says Beshear.

Beshear talked about the full schedule of events for the day, which include the inaugural parade.

“For the first time, at least to my knowledge in an inaugural parade, the governor is not going to be the very first person in that parade. We’re gonna let our teachers make that march, lead this parade,” says Beshear.

Other events include a State Capitol open house immediately after the swearing in.

“We believe that not just the capitol doors but all of state government should be open to the people it serves,” says Beshear.

There will also be two side by side inaugural balls that night.

All events are free and open to the public.

As for how much all this will cost:

“Well there is a committee that is doing the fundraising and planning the inaugural. I think they are finalizing the budget and we’ll get that to you once they have those final numbers,” says Beshear.

Beshear says Governor Matt Bevin called and invited the Beshears’ to the state Christmas tree lighting next weekend, calling it a gracious phone call.

“His administration is working with us in everything we ask on this transition. It’s apparent he has provided them the instruction to make sure we have a smooth transition and I greatly appreciate that. It’s gonna help us do our job that much better,” says Beshear.

The inauguration is set for Tuesday, December 10th with the first event starting at 7:30 a.m. and the last ending at midnight.

For the full schedule of events for the day, click here.