Hassan Inaugural Committee Prepares for Thursday

Gov. Maggie Hassan’s Inaugural Committee today announced additional details for the Inaugural Ceremony and State House Open House on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Hassan’s Inaugural Ceremony will begin at noon and will feature poetry, prayer and music from numerous Granite Staters, including a performance by the Concord Community Music School’s Scholarship Vocal Ensemble. Christopher Duffley of Manchester will sing the national anthem.

The Inaugural Committee also announced a partnership with the New Hampshire Food Bank to highlight its Culinary Job Training Program, which helps individuals suffering financial hardship gain the skills and experience necessary to seek employment in the food service industry. Food prepared by program participants will be provided at the State House Open House, and guests at the open house are encouraged to bring shelf stable non-glass items to donate to the food bank (especially peanut butter, canned tuna, chicken, and soup).

“New Hampshire has so much to offer from our rich history and culture to our beautiful scenic landscapes,” said Hassan. “With our theme of celebrating New Hampshire, the inaugural events will highlight our state’s unique landmarks, products, and culture, and feature a diverse group of Granite Staters whose talents and commitment represent the best of New Hampshire.”

At the ceremony, Shane Riley of Concord will lead attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance in honor of his mother, New Hampshire Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Stephanie Riley, who passed away this week after battling terminal lung cancer. Stephanie Riley, who was initially scheduled to lead the pledge, bravely served her fellow citizens for eighteen years, first in the United States Air Force and then the New Hampshire Air National Guard.

Later in the afternoon, Hassan will hold a State House Open House starting at 4:30 pm where she will greet citizens from across the state.

The open house will feature entertainment for children and Granite Staters of all ages, including a State House scavenger hunt and activities provided by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. The open house will also showcase products from local businesses and artisans through a partnership with NH Made and Neighbor Made.

There will also be musical performances by groups from across New Hampshire, including the Live Free and Pie Contra Dance Orchestra, Apple Hill String Quartet, Strafford Wind Symphony Brass Quintet, the University of New Hampshire’s Not Too Sharp a cappella group, and a trio of players from Symphony NH.

Children visiting the open house will also be able to attend a reading by children’s author Rebekah Prince Bergeron and illustrator Sandy McDermott of Exeter, as well as a performance by puppeteer Lindsay Bezich of Strafford.

During the open house, volunteers from the City Year New Hampshire program will help greet visitors and serve as guides through the State House.

Food, drink, and other supplies for the State House Open House and inaugural events have been generously donated by numerous New Hampshire businesses, including Common Man Restaurants, Lindt Chocolate, Coca Cola Northern New England, Pepsi Bottling Co., and New Hampshire the Beautiful.

For more information about Hassan’s inaugural events, please visit www.hassaninauguration.org.

Submitted text and courtesy photo.