Inaugurations are often formal occasions filled with fits, attire and lengthy speeches.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s ceremony was a bit completely different. Wu celebrated her first time period as mayor Thursday with a “block social gathering” at Boston Metropolis Corridor.
The inauguration got here seven months after her swearing in, as a result of the unique date was pushed again by the omicron surge. However the timing additionally allowed Wu and her company to take full benefit of the nice and cozy summer time climate.
The free out of doors occasion featured a reside band, a DJ, a soda bar and tables to do arts and crafts, like portray rocks and adorning tote baggage.
Native residents and metropolis employees shared the dance ground with politicians like Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll and Boston Metropolis Councilor Kenzie Bok.
“Actually, that is extra of a vibe than the rest individuals would do,” stated Joseph Headley, a metropolis information analyst who stumbled throughout the block social gathering on his lunch break.
Headley stated he most popular the music and drinks to lengthy speeches at an inauguration. “Like OK, you are doing that, however on the identical time, are individuals actually having fun with the time that they are having?”
Regis Faculty scholar Leah Kihn sat at a picnic desk simply exterior the principle tent.
“I am adopted from China, and I’ve by no means seen an Asian elected” earlier than, she stated. “I am not very political, however I got here out right here simply to assist and see what it is about.”
Wu did briefly pause the music to ship a one-minute speech.
“That is what Boston appears to be like like,” she stated. “I simply need to pledge as soon as once more that the exact same values and concepts and dedication to lifting up the voices in our neighborhoods continues to drive our work daily.”
The occasion was paid for by a $1.1 million inauguration fund, which included donations from among the largest builders, companies and lobbying companies within the metropolis. In a press release, the fund stated the donations wouldn’t have any affect on how Wu runs Metropolis Corridor.
