JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – All Missourians are invited to the Capitol building this weekend for Missouri’s Bicentennial Inaugural Ball and other events to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the 24th state to join the Union.
Events kick off early on Saturday, September 18 at 10 a.m. with the Bicentennial Inaugural Parade, which celebrates the swearing-in of Missouri’s newest elected officials and will focus on Missouri’s history. The parade will be live-streamed directly from Gov. Mike Parson’s Facebook page.
The Capitol building will be open to the public from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Constituents are encouraged to attend, and may visit their elected official’s office throughout the day for refreshments, relaxation and conversation.
“It’s always fun to come as a constituent and check out the office that your elected official is in,” said Sen. Holly Rehder. “It’s an evening of enjoying the Capitol and everyone.”
According to the Governor’s website, the Capitol building will have The Missouri Bicentennial Quilt, Missouri State Parks Quilt and the Missouri Bicentennial Mural on display from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Visitors will also have the privilege of taking a photo with championship trophies from all of Missouri’s professional sports teams.
Missouri’s House, Senate, Supreme Court and other statewide elected officials will be introduced to everyone in attendance during the Grand March at 6:30 p.m.
The Grand March will kick off the Bicentennial Inaugural Ball on the Capitol building’s North Portico and Lawn, followed by fireworks over the Missouri River. Ball attire is black-tie optional.
“It’s a super big celebration,” Rehder said. “With Covid we didn’t get to do the typical governor’s inaugural ball. I was really pleased to see that Governor Parson wanted to put this together for an outside event to coincide with our state celebration. It’s such a beautiful area right there on the river and it looks like we’re going to have some great weather.”
The event is open to the public. RSVP pre-registration has been closed, but guests can still register once they arrive. Those interested can visit the Governor’s website for a map of the parade route and a map of available parking.
