From formal gowns to hors d’oeuvres galore, state lawmakers and officials joined the public in celebrating the 2025 governor’s inaugural ball in style Wednesday evening.
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From formal gowns to hors d’oeuvres galore, state lawmakers and officials joined the public in celebrating the 2025 governor’s inaugural ball in style Wednesday evening.
The dress-up affair was held at the Capitol Campus for the first time in eight years. (The occasion had to be canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic.)
Searchlights scraped the night sky as a long line for entry formed. Doors opened at 6:30 p.m. and the event started at 7 p.m. Numerous white tents had been set up between the Legislative Building and newly renovated Temple of Justice. Scores of attendees socialized, their drinks of choice in hand.
The temperature Wednesday evening was chilly. The mood? Jovial. Revelers’ cheers echoed throughout the halls of the Capitol building.
It has been a busy week in Olympia; the first day of session kicked off Jan. 13. Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his final address the next day, and afterward his official portrait was revealed.
Gov. Bob Ferguson’s inauguration came Wednesday afternoon, and his first address touched on themes of bridging partisan divides and pursuing government reform.
Music at the inaugural ball was performed by The Voice alum Ethan Tucker on the State Reception Room Stage at 7 p.m., and the Dukes of Swing at 9:30 p.m. Other performers gracing the Flag Circle Stage included teacher-cum-entertainer DJ K12 at 6:30 p.m. and The Scrunchies, a Seattle ‘80s cover band, at 9:30 p.m.
The Rotunda floor featured a scheduled appearance by the Squaxin Island Canoe Family, which participates in yearly canoe journeys to visit with other tribes. And the soiree’s main program highlighted “the vision and dedication of our leaders while reflecting on the strength and diversity of the communities they serve,” according to the event website.
Catering came courtesy of culinary-arts students. South Puget Sound Community College, for instance, crafted some 3,000 small bites like “crispy kraken wontons” and custom chocolates.
© 2025 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.). Visit www.TheNewsTribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.