Plans for Tom Wolf's Inauguration Slowly Taking Shape

Organizers of Democratic Gov.-elect Tom Wolf's inauguration say it will be comparable to those of other recent Pennsylvania governors — a day of pomp and ceremony capped by an evening of revelry.

But Wolf's Jan. 20 celebration ultimately will take on its own character, just as past inaugurals have hardly been cookie-cutter copies.

In 1999, Republican Tom Ridge celebrated his re-election with two days of festivities that included a flyover by Pennsylvania National Guard jets, a concert by '60s recording stars and an inaugural ball in Hershey that was spread out across multiple ballrooms featuring music styles ranging from big band to disco.

His successor, then-Lt. Gov. Mark Schweiker, went to the opposite extreme after President George W. Bush tapped Ridge as the nation's first homeland security director following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The state constitution dictated that Schweiker take over as governor for the 15 months left in Ridge's term.

Under the awkward circumstances, Schweiker limited his inauguration to the swearing-in ceremony, held on the Capitol steps before more than 2,000 people. He did not hold an inaugural ball but rather a private dinner reception for friends and relatives.

Ed Rendell resurrected the mega-celebration in 2003, when he began the first of his two terms as governor.

The Democrat's inauguration kicked off a daylong celebration that included a parade of 5,000 people around the Capitol complex and fireworks. Thousands of supporters bought $50 tickets to a rock 'n' roll concert featuring Chuck Berry and Chubby Checker and a ball catered by dozens of restaurants across Pennsylvania.

"People should have worn bibs instead of tuxes, the food was so good," one guest gushed afterward.

Corporations, unions and trade groups were prominent among the contributors that underwrote most of the estimated $3 million cost.

Like Rendell, Republican Tom Corbett staged his inaugural ceremony at the cavernous Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center after he took his oath in 2011.

Several thousand guests paid $150 a ticket to attend Corbett's inaugural ball, which included three live bands, 30 bar stations and five regionally themed pits, where dozens of chefs prepared Pennsylvania foods such as venison pot pies and flaming mushrooms.

Barely three weeks before Wolf's inauguration, only basic information has been made public.

Like other recent governors, he will take his oath and deliver his speech in an outdoor ceremony at the Capitol. Free tickets are available online.

Wolf, a first-time candidate who defeated Corbett in his re-election bid, will be the first governor since Ridge to hold his celebration at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center instead of the farm show complex. Tickets cost $100, or $50 for students and people 65 or older.

Wolf's inaugural committee is raising money from private sources. He has limited contributions to $50,000 and promised to disclose all funding sources over $500 on Jan. 15 and again at the end of March.

Beth Melena, the committee's spokeswoman, said organizers believe the Hershey facility will provide a better "opportunity to make that environment fit Tom's vision for the celebration."

The celebration will include live music and Pennsylvania food, wine and beer. There will be "places for people to talk, but also places for people to dance, have a good time," she said.

The dress code is flexible. "People can come dressed however they're comfortable," she said.