Yes, Andy will be there

markjohnson — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:24:47 -0500

Andy Griffith will make a return appearance at the governor's inaugural ceremonies.

The iconic actor, who spoke at Gov. Mike Easley's two inaugurals, will address the crowd at Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue's swearing in. He taped a television commercial for her during the campaign — "You're going to be a gooood governor!" — as he did for Easley.

"He is working with the state historians trying to pick whatever it is he wants to read," Perdue told Dome.

A few other tidbits from the incoming governor about the inaugural:

* Perdue's speech will be seven minutes long — shorter than many YouTube posts.

* She'll wear a gown to the Friday night ball, red with sparkles, made by a tailor who has made many of her clothes.

* James Taylor was invited but could not attend.

Perdue's change: party first, oath later

markjohnson — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:17:15 -0500

Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue has scooted up the inaugural ball to Jan. 9, the night before she takes the oath of office.

Perdue shifted the schedule so she can play host to an open house at the governor's mansion after the inauguration on Saturday, Jan. 10. (Hat tip: Samantha Thompson Smith.) It was unclear at posting time whether this will be a truly public event that anyone can attend. (Visions of President Andrew Jackson's post-inaugural revelers come to mind.)

The schedule overhaul created a scramble for officials at the Junior League, which has organized the ball for 75 years, but they have been able to adjust the calendar for virtually every event. Here's the rundown, courtesy of Virginia Yopp, Junior League President:

Thur., Jan. 8 - Reception for Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton and other members of the Council of State (e.g. Attorney General, Secretary of State) at the new Raleigh Center City Marriott from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Inaugural ball sponsors are invited, and individual tickets are $125. Signature sponsors of the reception who each paid $30,000 are AT&T, Duke Energy and McGuire Woods.

Rock the Ball - A concert for the younger set from 9 pm to midnight at the Lincoln Theater. Tickets are $20 or ball sponsors get in free. Bands include Dillon Fence and Pico vs. Island Tree. The University of Phoenix and Glaxo Smith Kline are signature sponsors for the concert. Each paid $25,000.

Fri., Jan. 9 - A Governor's reception will be held from 5:30 pm to 7 pm for sponsors who have contributed $3,000 or more to the inaugural festivities. No individual tickets will be sold. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina paid $50,000 to serve as the signature sponsor of the reception.

The inaugural gala is from 8 pm to 9 pm at the Raleigh Convention Center with the program highlighting "North Carolina's Finest" in entertainment, athletics, business and the arts. The inaugural ball follows from 9 pm to midnight with bands and guest chefs throughout the venue. Tickets for the ball are $125 or $200 for both the ball and gala.

The inauguration, parade and open house are slated for Saturday with more details forthcoming.