2011 Inaugural: Still outdoors, unless it’s not

CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published: 08-Jan-2011

The 2011 inaugural ceremony for the state’s highest-ranking officials is still scheduled to occur outdoors on Monday, January 10. In a press release sent Friday afternoon to CapitolBeatOK and other news organizations, the Inaugural Committee strongly encouraged those attending the ceremony to dress very warmly and be prepared for inclement weather.

The ceremony will last approximately one hour and temperatures are expected to be bitterly cold. Additionally, there will be a significant walk from the public parking areas on the South side of the capitol to the ceremony. Organizers of the event encouraged attendees, “Please plan accordingly.”

The release continued, “In the unlikely event the location of the event is moved indoors, details will be posted on www.maryfallininaugural.org as soon as that decision is made. Traffic in the Capitol area will be a concern on Monday. The exit onto Lincoln Avenue coming west on 23rd street is closed.

As with previous inaugurations, the ceremony will be broadcast by the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) and other media outlets. Fresh details about the inaugural ceremony program were released late on Friday, including the following: 

“The 2011 inaugural ceremonies will be held at noon Monday on the south steps of the Oklahoma Capitol. Performing at the ceremonies will be the Ambassador’s Concert Choir, directed by Dr. Sandra Thompson, and the Governor’s Own 145th Army Band, led by Chief Warrant Officer Two Scott Sanders.

“Serving as master of ceremonies are local television anchors Kent, Kevin and Kelly Ogle. Lisa Regan Love will perform the National Anthem as well as ‘America the Beautiful’ during the ceremony.

“The children of Governor-elect Mary Fallin and First Gentleman Wade Christensen will lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

“After being sworn in as the 27th governor of Oklahoma, Governor Mary Fallin will deliver remarks.  Following her remarks, Governor Fallin plans a special tribute to the military and will introduce retired General Tommy Franks to participate in the program.

“The Right Reverend Lawrence Stasyszen, Abbot of St. Gregory’s Abby, will deliver the closing benediction. Following the swearing in, a public reception will be held on the second floor rotunda.”