Edwards Plans More Low-Key Affair For His Inauguration

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards may have cannon fire and a black-tie ball, but the approach for his Jan. 11 inaugural festivities is more understated compared to past governors.

Among Edwards' immediate predecessors, Bobby Jindal had a free festival in downtown Baton Rouge. Kathleen Blanco's team created a children's village with costumed characters. Mike Foster had fireworks and a public picnic.

Edwards will keep it simpler: morning Mass, inauguration ceremony and evening ball, no added frills. Maybe it's a sign of the times when he'll govern, with deep and widespread budget problems across state government.

That's not to suggest Edwards' inauguration won't have pomp and pageantry. A 19-round volley of cannon salute will herald Edwards after he is sworn into office on the Louisiana Capitol steps, along with an F-15 flyover.

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