Inauguration attracts Hoosiers across Ind.

INDIANAPOLIS (WTIH) -   The gubernatorial inauguration attracted visitors from across the State of Indiana.

A bus load of fourth graders made the three hour trip from Dubois County in southwest Indiana. They were invited by Lieutenant Governor Susan Ellspermann who is from Ferdinand, Indiana.

“We did a glove and hat check at school, we drove three hours up here, many of them left their gloves or hats in the bus which is a surprise, but luckily someone provided the hand warmers so we made it through” said Pine Ridge Elementary Principal Ryan Haas.

Dozens of boxes filled with hand warmers were handed out to attendees. With temperatures well below freezing, everyone was looking for ways to warm up. The hand warmers helped.  But just a little bit.

“They're warm. I wouldn't say they were hot. I'd say they are warm but it's a lot of excitement going on and the sun is shining so it's good” said volunteer Charity Kewish, who helped hand out the hand warmers.

Before the speeches began, the fourth graders, sitting in the metal bleachers, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. They then sat and patiently watched. Ethan Sell thought the whole thing was awesome.

“They were talking and you learned about how they came here” said Sell.

After the ceremony, the kids were taken inside the Statehouse where they not only warmed up, but were able to take a tour and learn a little bit about our State history.  A group of fourth graders from Governor Mike Pence's hometown, Columbus, Indiana also attended the ceremony.