Politics & Government

Governor Hogan Plans Day Of Festivities To Celebrate Inauguration

From entertainment beginning at 9:30 a.m. to a gala beginning at 8 p.m. at MGM National Harbor casino, Gov. Hogan has a full day planned.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – If you have plans for Jan. 16 in Annapolis, you might want to reconsider. The city is expecting to welcome thousands to the capital for Gv. Larry Hogan's second inauguration.

Hogan defeated Ben Jealous in November to clinch another term. He is only the second Republican to serve as governor of Maryland.

Unlike his first inauguration in 2015, which had its end of day gala in Baltimore, this year's is all going to be in Annapolis.

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Things get underway with an Inaugural Prayer Service at 8 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 109 Duke of Gloucester Street. That event is by invitation only.

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Starting at 9 a.m., the public gets to be involved with speakers and entrainment on the northwest lawn of the state house. A schedule of performers and speakers will be made available likely later this week, according to the governor's office.

Seating is going to be on a first-come, first-served basis so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to park and get through security

The entertainment will be followed by the swearing-in ceremonies of Hogan and Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford at noon.

The event is free and open to the public. You don't have to RSVP in advance.

To accommodate the large crowds expected, parking will be available at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Shuttle service will be provided.

The governor's office is also working on plans to make sure that the event is accessible for people with special needs.

After the swearing in, there will be a public reception and receiving line at the state house.

That evening, starting at 7:30 p.m. there will be a reception for VIPs and Inaugural sponsors at the MGM National Harbor.

At 8:00 p.m., the $150 per ticket Inaugural Gala gets underway – also at the MGM National Harbor. That event is supposed to last three hours. Unlike previous years, a new law that Hogan signed means that the inaugural committee will disclose people and corporations who donated to the inaugural committee.

And, if all that's not enough, First and Second Ladies Yumi Hogan and Monica Rutherford will be hosting a family and charity event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday to benefit the Yumi C.A.R.E.S. Foundation.

The inaugural committee has a website set up as does the governor's office.

Photo via Governor Hogan's Office.

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