Festivities were held throughout New Year’s Day surrounding the Inauguration of Governor Rick Snyder. Starting with the public swearing-in ceremony under unusual bright skies and near Spring-like temperatures on the Capitol steps, the day’s events concluded with over 1,000 people dancing at Michigan State University’s Wharton Center in East Lansing.

Governor Snyder gave a relatively brief speech, as did Lt. Governor Brian Calley, Attorney General Bill Schuette and Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. The Governor then met citizens at a public receiving line in the Capitol, and hosted a reception for newly elected legislators and other officials before moving to the evening gala.