Some might call it a picture-perfect day for a parade. The parade in question ran down Capital Avenue in Frankfort to recognize the 62nd inauguration of Kentucky’s Governor. Andy Beshear is set to begin his second term in the Commonwealth’s highest office in just a few weeks.
Although it was a sunny and fairly warm day, around 50…a far cry from some frigid past inaugural parades, the onlooker numbers were down a bit from some previous years.
Frankfort Attorney Jason Apollo Hart said he had to rush back from Bourbon County to make it in time for the parade. He says the governor does a good job of fitting in to the Capitol City community.
“You know I’ve seen a lot of governors especially here in Frankfort and he’s a very local and present governor here. He goes down, you know, you see him at his bakery and events in town and he’s just very present..his family is very present in the community,” said Apollo Hart.
Just down the street sat 19-year-old Hayli Webb along with 18-year-olds Thomas True and Jacob Ritchey. Webb was there to see Kentucky singer Tyler Childers, who performed at the formal inauguration. She said she likes some country music and plays four guitars.
“And do you play country only?....no, I play more alternative music…more metal and things like that…who is your favorite band?...I would have to say mortician right now..that’s probably good,” said Webb.
It took a while, but the procession made it up to the reviewing stand.
“And other than St. Nick, here’s another popular guy in Kentucky this holiday season…re-elected to a second term as governor of the Commonwealth…Andy Beshear a 63rd governor…” described WKYT News Anchor Bill Bryant.
The governor and his family took their front-row seats in the stand and heard several bands, both high school and college.
Several parents of band members stood in the grass median along Capital Avenue. Among them, Wade Baker, whose daughter plays in the Western Kentucky University band. Asked about his interest in politics, he confessed he’s not a big politico-type person.
“Moderately, not tremendously..I usually try to vote for whoever I think will do the better job for what we’re looking to do..but never been a straight party guy,” said Baker.
Paul Rogers might still consider himself somewhat of a newcomer to Frankfort, coming there from Letcher County. He applauds Beshear for his administration’s work following last year’s historic flooding in eastern Kentucky.
“My parents had significant flooding in their home. The big reason I’m a fan of Andy is he was there almost immediately. He gave a lot of support to the community there,” said Rogers.
Once the final band and float had passed by the reviewing stand, the governor stepped down and mingled for a few handshakes and photos.
On hand for the inaugural parade, just like four years ago were Beshear’s parents, Steve and Jane Beshear. The elder Beshear served two terms as Kentucky Governor. Andy Beshear’s name has started being mentioned as a potential presidential candidate. Steve Beshear’s reaction?
“That’s a hundred million to one type shot, but he’s just the type of person we ought to have as president of the United States….so that would be ok with you?....well…Jane almost faints when anybody even mentions that,” said Beshear.
Governor Andy Beshear has said his plan is to serve out a second term as Kentucky governor. And at an inauguration celebration, that is certainly the focus.
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Picture taking Jason Apollo Hart in the middle with Kelli Scott on his right and Kylee Causey on his left
Left to Right-Hayli Webb-Thomas True-Jacob Ritchey
Dawson Springs float and high school band
