Office of Governor Brad Henry
State of Oklahoma
State of Oklahoma
State Capitol - Oklahoma City OK 73105
(405) 521-2342
(405) 521-2342
Inaugural Committee for Gov.-elect Henry Announces Events
January 03, 2003
(Oklahoma City) Oklahomans from all four corners of the state are being invited to participate in events that will formally welcome the state’s next governor into office.
The inaugural committee for Governor-elect Brad Henry unveiled its official schedule of activities Thursday, saying it hopes that thousands of Oklahomans will be able to participate in the events and meet the state’s new chief executive.
“We tried to structure the inaugural program in a user-friendly style that would give as many people as possible a chance to participate. We are holding events in several different communities, including the two major metro areas, in an effort to make it convenient for everyone. That’s how Gov.-elect Henry wants it,” said Susan Turpen, chair of the inaugural committee.
In addition to an inclusive inaugural, the new chief executive has also requested an austere celebration that reflects the tough budget times that the state is currently facing. Even though private contributions are financing all of the inaugural events, Gov.-elect Henry is advocating an understated but enjoyable celebration, according to Turpen.
“There probably won’t be as much pomp and circumstance as past inaugurals. Gov.-elect Henry just didn’t feel it would be appropriate in the current budget climate. He certainly wants people to enjoy themselves, but the events will be more subdued than previous years,” said Turpen.
Gov.-elect Henry will be formally inaugurated at the State Capitol on January 13, but many of the inaugural events will precede the official oath of office. They include:
Friday, Jan. 10 ? Inaugural gala, Mayo Hotel, Tulsa, 7:00 pm.
Saturday, Jan. 11 ? Pancake breakfast, Tulsa fairgrounds pavilion, 7 ? 10:30 am.
Sunday, Jan. 12 ? Gov.-elect Henry’s family day, Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, Seminole, 1- 5 pm.
Sunday, Jan. 12 ? Inaugural prayer service, OBU campus, Raley Chapel, Shawnee, 6:00 pm.
Monday, Jan. 13 ? Inaugural ceremony, State Capitol, Oklahoma City, 11:00 am.
Monday, Jan. 13 ? Inaugural reception, State Capitol rotunda (Immediately following oath of office).
Monday, Jan. 13 ? Inaugural balls and dinner, Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City, 6:30 pm.
The inaugural ball in Oklahoma City will also have activities for young people, including the Henry’s three daughters. For teens, there will be a youth ball and for children, there will be “Baylee’s Ball,” named in honor of the Henry’s youngest daughter. The inaugural balls are invitation-only events, but all other ceremonies are open to the public.
Thousands of Oklahomans have made contributions to finance the various inaugural events, according to Turpen. The inaugural committee will release a complete list of donors to the public when it files the information with the State Ethics Commission in mid-January.
-End-
The inaugural committee for Governor-elect Brad Henry unveiled its official schedule of activities Thursday, saying it hopes that thousands of Oklahomans will be able to participate in the events and meet the state’s new chief executive.
“We tried to structure the inaugural program in a user-friendly style that would give as many people as possible a chance to participate. We are holding events in several different communities, including the two major metro areas, in an effort to make it convenient for everyone. That’s how Gov.-elect Henry wants it,” said Susan Turpen, chair of the inaugural committee.
In addition to an inclusive inaugural, the new chief executive has also requested an austere celebration that reflects the tough budget times that the state is currently facing. Even though private contributions are financing all of the inaugural events, Gov.-elect Henry is advocating an understated but enjoyable celebration, according to Turpen.
“There probably won’t be as much pomp and circumstance as past inaugurals. Gov.-elect Henry just didn’t feel it would be appropriate in the current budget climate. He certainly wants people to enjoy themselves, but the events will be more subdued than previous years,” said Turpen.
Gov.-elect Henry will be formally inaugurated at the State Capitol on January 13, but many of the inaugural events will precede the official oath of office. They include:
Friday, Jan. 10 ? Inaugural gala, Mayo Hotel, Tulsa, 7:00 pm.
Saturday, Jan. 11 ? Pancake breakfast, Tulsa fairgrounds pavilion, 7 ? 10:30 am.
Sunday, Jan. 12 ? Gov.-elect Henry’s family day, Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, Seminole, 1- 5 pm.
Sunday, Jan. 12 ? Inaugural prayer service, OBU campus, Raley Chapel, Shawnee, 6:00 pm.
Monday, Jan. 13 ? Inaugural ceremony, State Capitol, Oklahoma City, 11:00 am.
Monday, Jan. 13 ? Inaugural reception, State Capitol rotunda (Immediately following oath of office).
Monday, Jan. 13 ? Inaugural balls and dinner, Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City, 6:30 pm.
The inaugural ball in Oklahoma City will also have activities for young people, including the Henry’s three daughters. For teens, there will be a youth ball and for children, there will be “Baylee’s Ball,” named in honor of the Henry’s youngest daughter. The inaugural balls are invitation-only events, but all other ceremonies are open to the public.
Thousands of Oklahomans have made contributions to finance the various inaugural events, according to Turpen. The inaugural committee will release a complete list of donors to the public when it files the information with the State Ethics Commission in mid-January.
-End-