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8:30 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, Poppy's Bakery, and Andy's Artisan Bread. Entertainment during the reception will be provided by the Kentucky State University Faculty/Student Jazz Collective.
On Inauguration Day, admission to Kentucky History Center & Museums is free. The Kentucky History Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and exhibits include the Kentucky Hall of Governors, A Kentucky Journey, and Our Stories Our Service: Kentucky's Women Veterans. The Old State Capitol, decorated in antebellum holiday finery, and the Kentucky Military History Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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9:30 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 Mass Choir of St. Stephen Baptist Church and Meg and Ellen Blackwell of Beargrass Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), both in Louisville, as well as Drs. Everett McCorvey and Tedrin Blair Lindsey of the University of Kentucky School of Music. Messages and Prayers will be offered by Rev. Bruce Barkhauer, director of the Center for Faith and Giving of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Rev. Dr. Trey Flowers of Beargrass Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Louisville; Rev. Dr. Daniel Corrie Shull of Burnett Avenue Baptist Church, Louisville; Rabbi David Wirtschafter of Temple Adath Israel, Lexington; Rev. Dr. Valerie Washington of Hughlett Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, Louisville; and Rev. Dr. Bill Kincaid of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Frankfort.
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.
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11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Inaugural Parade
The 2023 Inaugural Parade tells the story of Gov. Andy Beshear's first term in office - governing through a time of unprecedented adversity, capitalizing on game-changing economic opportunities, and moving Kentuckians forward, together. This parade features individuals, communities, companies, and groups that played a major role in the story of the last four years, looking back at the struggles and successes, before giving way to the young people who will bring Kentucky into the bright future ahead.
The Grand Marshals represent the health care workers who guided Kentuckians through the global pandemic, disasters, and other events, and educators from across the commonwealth, who continue to lead Kentucky's children into the future.
The parade will begin at Capital Avenue at the end of the Main Street bridge and conclude in front of the Capitol. Gov. Beshear, First Lady Britainy Beshear, and their children, Will and Lila, will join Lt. Gov. Coleman, husband Chris O'Bryan, and their children, Will, Nate, Emma and Evelynne, in open, horse-drawn carriages provided by the Kentucky Horse Park.
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1:30 p.m.
Inaugural Prelude, Capitol Steps
Music will be performed by:
202nd Army Band, Kentucky National Guard - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Catherine Strobel, commander
Kentucky State University Concert Choir - Dr. Lloyd Mallory, director
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2:00 p.m.
Swearing-in Ceremony, Capitol
The ceremony will be emceed by the Governor's senior advisor, Rocky Adkins, and will feature a musical performance by Tyler Childers and a reading by Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House.
Lt. Gov. Coleman will be sworn in first, with Justice Debra Hembree Lambert of the Kentucky Supreme Court administering the oath of office. Gov. Beshear will then be sworn in by Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller.
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6:00 p.m.
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. 1. Music for The Grand March will be provided by Orchestra Kentucky of Bowling Green, led by music director Jeffrey Reed. Attire for this event is black tie optional. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
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7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Inaugural Ball, Capitol Grounds (Ticketed Event)
Admission to the inaugural ball is limited due to space restrictions. Tickets are required.
If you plan on attending inaugural events, please RSVP at the link below.