Crowds gathered in Raleigh Saturday morning to welcome the man they elected into office. In his speech, Governor McCrory shared his high hopes for the next four years.
McCrory said, "Working together, we can make North Carolina the place of unlimited opportunity: a place where anyone who studies hard, works hard and lives a life with high values, can fulfill and even exceed their potential."
After the speech, the crowd gathered along the parade route to get a glimpse of the new governor. The parade had something for everyone. Marching bands, jump ropers, and boy scouts to name a few.
As Pat McCrory looks forward to the next four years, the inaugural parade celebrates North Carolina's future, as well as its rich cultural history. Over the years, a diverse body of people have called North Carolina home.
Native American Chief Jacob Twofeather pointed out "...its very important for the state to know how much we bring into not only cultural but financial. The inheritance of being Native American in the state of North Carolina is just wonderful".
Naval SeaBee Tommy Clement agrees. "My navy SeaBee veterans group was in the parade. It means a lot. I think it was the first time that we've ever been in it. I think we may have, other than the Marine Corp band, we may have been one of the few military veterans organizations in the parade."
The SeaBee's weren't the only ones revisiting the past. Historical Re-enactor James Stewart knows how important his job is.
"Getting into a character and staying in that character so the public, when they come, and they see you in these characters and you stay in that character, they get a real sense of the true period."
The parade's youngest viewers shared their favorites, as well. Old cars and clowns were some of the most popular.
From history to hilarity, the inaugural parade had something for everyone.