Newly elected Governor Bill Walker and Lt. Governor Byron Mallott have begun a round of meet-and-greets across the state, and their next inaugural celebration will be held in Nome this Saturday, January 17. So far, the pair have visited Valdez, Walker’s hometown, and Juneau.
Lindsay Hobson, one of Walker’s daughters, is coordinating the eight celebrations with Mandy Mallott, a daughter-in-law of the lieutenant governor. Hobson says the communities themselves elect to host the events, and then work with the state committee to pull off the grand, back-to-back parties.
The theme is “Better Together,” a motto of the Walker-Mallott campaign that Hobson said resonated with many supporters around the state.
“And then each community has taken their own twist or come up with a new theme altogether that signifies their community and how they want to portray themselves at these balls,” said Hobson.
The first ball in Valdez was sold out before it was even publicly advertised, so Hobson said another event was scheduled for the afternoon. A combination of statewide and community donors are providing funding for the events. Money raised that exceeds their costs will be donated to various charities across the state.
Hobson said one of the highlights of planning these events is working with community organizers all over the state.
“[It’s exciting] just to see this passion carry over into this next chapter and so many communities excited to welcome this new administration,” she said.
In Nome, City Manager Josie Bahnke says the “Walking into the Future with Walker and Mallott” parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Front Street, followed by light refreshments at Old St. Joe’s open to the public. In the evening, the Chamber of Commerce will sponsor Nome’s Inaugural Celebration 4:30-7:30 at the Mini Convention Center with tickets available for $20 at the Visitor’s Center or at the event. The reception will feature hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
To inquire about parade float sign-ups and other questions about the events, contact the Visitor’s Center at 443-6555.
