GULF SHORES, Ala. — Hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the start of Gov. Kay Ivey’s inauguration festivities on the Gulf Coast.
“This is exciting,” said Olive Humphrey, a Missouri resident who spends her winters on the Gulf Coast.
The gathering celebrated the first part of the inauguration for Alabama’s second-ever female governor.
“It just means the world to me that folks throughout Alabama would come to celebrate with me this night,” Ivey said.
The inauguration was still two days away, but that didn’t stop festivities at the Lodge at Gulf State Park. Guests brought children’s books to help the governor with her goal to promote childhood literacy — part of her campaign promise.
This was the first time an inauguration-related event has been held in Coastal Alabama. Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said Ivey and her staff “are really working with us well. Probably better than any governor in a long time.”
Ivey’s theme for the inauguration is “Keep Alabama Growing.” Hosting part of the celebration on the Gulf Coast was a way to include and spotlight South Alabama.
“Sometimes us folks down on the coast don’t think Montgomery always knows where we are down here,” said Daniel Calametti, who attended the celebration.
“I make it a priority to try to provide equal — that all regions in our state are equally represented and benefiting, and that’s why we kicked off our inaugural celebration right here on the gulf coast of Alabama,” Ivey said.