Mark your calendars: For first time in 8 years, Washington to hold inaugural ball
Revelers planning to attend Washington’s inaugural ball have about a week left to iron out their black-tie attire.
The state’s last inaugural ball was held eight years ago; the quadrennial soiree had to be scrapped in 2021 because of the pandemic.
This year’s event, planned and hosted by the Thurston County Chamber, kicks off at the state Capitol Campus at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15.
The ball is the same day that Ferguson will be sworn in as Washington’s next governor, and just two days after the 2025 legislative session begins. Ferguson will be sworn in at noon on Wednesday, and the ceremony will be broadcast on TVW and streamed at tvw.org.
Inaugural balls honor the governor as well as statewide elected officials and the judicial and legislative branches. They’re also open to the public. Attendees can come to witness a key time of transition, particularly as Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson steps into his new role.
General admission tickets are still available for $150. Festivities will be spread across the Capitol Campus but centered at the Legislative Building.
The ball promises to feature toasts, official introductions and entertainment. Organizers are expecting about 3,000 guests.
In October, news broke that the ball had been canceled because its planning committee had disbanded due to uncertainty in ticket sales, increased expenses and board turnover. Shortly after, the Thurston County Chamber picked up the baton.
Chamber CEO David Schaffert told McClatchy that many who work in the Legislature and the state Supreme Court are happy to see the tradition continue.
“It’s been kind of an exciting whirlwind for the last three months since we decided to take it on,” he said. Events of this size usually take a solid year to plan.
Those who want to buy tickets should do so before they run out, Schaffert said. There are also opportunities to volunteer.
Food will be provided by caterers from throughout the Thurston County region and state, including via the culinary programs of community colleges, he said. The Chehalis, Squaxin and Nisqually tribes are providing catering, too. In addition to the evening’s speakers and the governor’s comments, a big band will perform live music.
The inaugural ball’s significance isn’t lost on Schaffert. He said it represents a moment in time when “you’re recognizing the transition of powers and authorities within an elected democracy.”
“Part of the celebration is you have an inaugurated governor, but … the entire Legislature is invited to the celebration, recognizing that in our form of government, we change,” Schaffert continued. “And we like to celebrate the inauguration and that change of power. It’s important to recognize change of power in a democracy.”
This story was originally published January 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
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