Asa Hutchinson's term as Arkansas' 46th elected governor launched this week with a number of celebratory and ceremonial events in Little Rock.
The Red, White and BBQ Inaugural Party, "Discovering a New Day," got things started Monday at the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock.
At a Glance
Red, White and BBQ Inaugural Party “Discovering a New Day”
What: The casual gathering kicked off a full slate of inaugural events.
When: Jan. 12
Where: Museum of Discovery in Little Rock
“A New Day in Arkansas” Inaugural Ball
What: Some 1,800 guests attended the black-tie optional affair that included dinner and dancing.
When: Jan. 13
Where: Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock
The casual event wrapped up a statewide barbecue "meat" and greet tour that included a stop in the Hutchinson's hometown of Rogers, as well as Fort Smith, Jonesboro and El Dorado.
Guests enjoyed a buffet of barbecue from Corky's Ribs and BBQ and had the opportunity to browse the museum's spaces that included the WOW Gallery, Amazing You, Discovery Hall and Room to Grow.
Those mingling at the museum included Angela and Justin DeLille, Cathy Foraker, Sharla Lau and Jonathan Moore, Michael Lindsey, Matthew Mika, Frances and Fritz Steiger and Rich Davis.
The slate of inaugural activities on Tuesday began with the inaugural church service at Immanual Baptist Church, followed by the Oath of Office in the House Chamber in the State Capitol, inaugural address on the Capitol steps and reception in the rotunda.
Capping the festivities was "A New Day in Arkansas" Inaugural Ball honoring Gov. Asa Hutchinson and First Lady Susan Hutchinson in the Governor's Hall at the Statehouse Convention Center. Tickets for the black-tie optional affair were sold-out with some 1,800 guests in attendance.
The ball kicked off with a welcome from Sarah and Dave Wengel, inaugural committee co-chairmen, and an invocation from Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin.
The menu for the evening featured a grilled filet of beef with a mushroom and brandy demi-glace, goat cheese and chive Yukon gold mashed potatoes and broccoli, cauliflower and carrots with charred onion petals. Dessert options were carrot cake with maple cream cheese icing and house-made pecan brittle, blueberry cheesecake with blueberry sauce and "a dark chocolate Arkansas accent," or flourless chocolate cake with Chambord raspberry sauce, fresh raspberries and a chocolate mikado.
After dinner, the governor and first lady opened the dance floor for the evening, dancing to the Emerald City Band's version of "Feeling Good."
The barbecue's and ball's "New Day" themes were in keeping with views the governor expressed in his inaugural address. "It is truly a new day in Arkansas. An historic day. A day that many of us never thought we would see in our lifetimes. The Republican majorities are evidence of the realization that a new day requires a new look. A new look at how government works; how we create jobs; how we partner with faith-based and nonprofit organizations, and how we adapt in every walk of life to changing technology."
Among those spending the evening at "A New Day in Arkansas" were Mary Ann and Philip Taldo, Barbara and Jim Phillips, Diane and Wayne Callahan, Janet and U.S. District Judge Jimm Hendren, John Ervin and Cayla Wilson, Kathy and George Wheatley, Cathy and Terry Suen
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
NAN Profiles on 01/18/2015