The Vermont Statehouse will come to life this week with the swearing in of legislators and the new governor.
Members of the Vermont House and Senate will be sworn in Wednesday. The House will elect a speaker and then the House and Senate will meet in joint session to hear outgoing Governor Jim Douglas’ farewell address.
On Thursday, the two chambers meet in joint session for the formal election of incoming Governor Peter Shumlin and Lt. Governor Phil Scott.
Shumlin is scheduled to be sworn in and give his inaugural address on Thursday afternoon. The inauguration will be a three-day affair. It will include a reception in southern Vermont, the formal inauguration at the state capitol, an outdoor celebration on the Statehouse lawn and a ball at Sugarbush Resort.
Vermont musicians, foods, arts and products all will play prominent roles.
Proceeds from Friday’s inaugural ball will benefit the Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation. Tickets go for $53 with higher priced tickets of $103 or $253 that include a voluntary additional contribution to a foundation.
So far, at least 23 corporate and individual sponsors have chipped in at least $73,000 to the foundation and to cover costs of the inaugural events.