A pre-inaugural celebration, with live music, food trucks and fireworks will mark incoming Mayor Sylvester Turner's rise to Houston's top job. The mayor-elect's inaugural committee announced that the free outdoor event will take place at Market Square Park on Sunday (January 3) from 4:30 pm to 7 pm.
Performers will include the Ernest Walker Band, Jason Allen, Charles Walker, Mary Griffin, David Delagarza, Chris Walker, J.Paul and The Zydeco Newbreeds and Stacy J. and the Unified Praise. The evening will conclude with a big fireworks display around 6:45 pm.
"We really want to focus on diversity and a real reflection of Houston," said Cindy Clifford. chair of the Houston Inaugural Committee. "We want to set the tone for the new administration that we're all in this together."
On-street parking is free in downtown Houston on Sundays, although No Parking restrictions apply in some areas. The Market Square Garage, 300 Milam, will offer parking for $5.
The mayor-elect will formally be sworn into office on Monday (January 4) at a ceremony that begins at 9:30 am in Jones Hall. It is open to the public, but Clifford encourages attendees to arrive early as guests will be seated on a first-come basis.
At the swearing-in, entertainment includes the Houston Symphony orchestra, led by guest conductor Chelsea Tipton, featured soloist Yolanda Adams, the High School for Visual and Performing Arts Chorus, the Church Without Walls Choir, the River Performance Troupe and the Carver High School Dance Department.
Other officials, including controller-elect Chris Brown and the Houston City Council will be sworn in as well.
Mayor-elect Sylvester Turner and Houston Inaugural Committee chair Cindy Clifford
