Dress Code

Dress Code

Every four years, I take a political plunge during the election or re-election of the governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Last week, hubby and I attended the newly elected Tom Wolf’s “Let’s Get Started” themed inaugural celebration at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.  Interestingly enough, the governor requested a low-key event that would not be black-tie but celebratory attire. So, what is the dress code for celebratory attire?

Just when I thought I had mastered the attire for black-tie affairs. That someone, Governor Wolf, starts confusing matters with the term “celebratory attire.”  What dress code is too appropriate to attend the new governor’s low-key historic event?

It was easy to attend former Gov. Ed Rendell’s inaugural event. The then-governor held a black-tie gala with a performance by Bon Jovi, while most recent Gov. Tom Corbett held a soirée with a 22-piece orchestra. These governors had their late-night inaugural parties at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

Tom Wolf, former businessman who won’t live in the governor’s mansion, now the 47th governor of Pennsylvania chose a different route to celebrate his momentous occasion. Who knew those who attended needed to decipher the dress code to determine what to wear?

Hats off to the inaugural planners who pulled off the massive undertaking of planning and executing an evening to celebrate with 4,000 people.

Hubby and I commenced the evening by taking advantage of the shuttle from the nearby Giant Stadium parking lot to the Hershey Lodge.  The shuttles quickly boarded guests and then onto the ballroom-sized room to house all the outerwear of the attendees.  We were all corralled through security to be wanded. Thank God there was no pat down.

Moi, at the January 20, 2015 Tom Wolf Inaugural Celebration at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.

All the 4,000 people who attended the event were on the Great American Ballroom dance floor at once. I recall Katie McGinty, Wolf’s chief of state, greeting my husband and me as she sashayed by us on the dance floor. Whether Democrat, Republican, or other, the dance floor is no respecter of a person when it comes to kicking up one’s heels.

After figuring out what the celebratory dress code meant and choosing not to purchase anything new, I chose one of my Teri Jon cocktail dresses; this navy number is five years old. I wore my new black faux fur cape and long, classic leather gloves to amp up my evening look. Every girl needs to keep chic accessories to help propel her into that celebratory mode at a moment’s notice.

I found it interesting to see other interpretations of celebratory attire. I saw a few gowns, but mostly very chic cocktail dresses in black and fun colors. A few men wore tuxedos, but most wore dark suits appropriately.

The $100 ticket featured Pennsylvania-themed food served through the night: prime rib, elk meatloaf, pierogies, and mushrooms.  Later in the night, snacks, including hot dogs, potato chips, and ice cream, were available.

I don’t remember the band’s name that played during the celebration, but they unquestionably kept me on my feet. I was able to get in my 10,000 steps on the dance floor.

Governor Wolf, we, the people, congratulate you on your new job as governor of the Keystone State and wish you great success in the next four years.