Inauguration festivities on Monday in West Virginia promise to be active.
Incoming Gov. Patrick Morrisey and other statewide officeholders will be sworn in, with a range of celebratory activities open to supporters and the public.
“What a great, exciting time it is for West Virginia with governor-elect becoming actual Governor Morrisey on Monday,” said Conrad Lucas, who has been active with the transition team.
“There’s been a lot of planning, a lot going into this, and we’re expecting huge attendance on Monday because so many folks are excited to hear the new governor’s message and to attend all the events we have planned.”
The National Weather Service forecast for Monday has been calling for temperatures in the 30s and a chance of snow.
Morrisey, a Republican, is West Virginia’s three-term attorney general.
Morrisey emerged from a bruising Republican primary where one of the most prominent issues was the participation of transgender athletes on sports teams.
Morrisey received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who remains popular in West Virginia. He underscored his political alliance with Trump throughout the campaign.
On other issues, Morrisey has described his advocacy for school choice initiatives, saying “West Virginia will always have the broadest school choice law in the country.”
He has also regularly touted a “Backyard Brawl” to assess West Virginia’s performance up against surrounding states. He has emphasized reducing taxes, regulations, and workforce rules to improve West Virginia’s economic standing compared to its closest neighbors.
Hoppy Kercheval: Morrisey’s budget cutting challenge
Morrisey’s inauguration committee, West Virginia Wins, announced a schedule for a busy day to kick off his term as chief executive.
“This is an event for all of West Virginia. This is a celebration of West Virginia,” Lucas said on MetroNews’ “Talkline.”
The activities include:
9 a.m. faith-based breakfast, free to attend: “Begin the day with a warm gathering featuring delicious breakfast and fellowship at the West Virginia Cultural Center.”
11 a.m. swearing in ceremony, free to attend: “Witness history at the swearing-in ceremony on the West Virginia State Capitol steps.”
“That’s when we’ll hear from Governor Morrisey about his vision for West Virginia, how we will become that shining state in the mountains that he talks about so often and where he will promote issues that he’s been talking about on the campaign trail, where he will promote issues he’s been talking about on the campaign trail,” Lucas said.
“It’s now time to take action about workforce participation, about educational attainment — and his speech will jam-packed with information that will be very exciting to all West Virginians.”
12:30 p.m. free coffee, cocoa and cookies at multiple locations around the state Capitol: “Join Governor Morrisey for an afternoon of coffee, cocoa, and cookies at the Capitol Complex.”
1:30 p.m. inaugural parade around Charleston’s East End and Capitol Complex area: “A vibrant celebration of West Virginia’s culture and people, featuring participants from across the state.”
Twenty-two bands including those from West Virginia and Marshall universities along with high schools will march in celebration.
2:30 p.m. West Virginia cultural exhibits, free to see, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center: “Explore the rich history of West Virginia through preserved cultural exhibits at the convention center.”
5:30 p.m. “Celebration of West Virginia Concert” at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center. The show will feature the southern rock group The Marshall Tucker Band and the country music act Shenandoah.
Tickets are available online for $10.
“We want any and all West Virginians to be there,” Lucas said.
7 p.m. cocktail reception, by invitation only, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center: “Join us for a sophisticated cocktail reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks.”
7:30 p.m. inaugural dinner, included in $100 ticket purchase, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center: “Indulge in a plated dinner with exceptional food and drinks, marking this special inaugural celebration.”
9 p.m. inaugural ball, included in $100 ticket purchase, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
“Cap off the evening with a glamorous black-tie ball featuring live music, exquisite food, refreshing drinks, and endless fun.”