Tickets go on sale today for the Inaugural Ball, a once-every-four-years public event that celebrates the inauguration of the new governor and includes a "grand procession" of elected officials in the state capitol. This affair is separate from the pricey political events also typically held in conjunction with inaugurals; this one is for the public, and anyone can go for the price of a $20 ticket.

The ball will be Satuday Jan. 8th, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the grand procession of statewide elected officers, legislators and distinguished guests beginning at 8. It's a dressy, family-friendly event with punch and cookies, dancing to the music of the 25th Army Band from the Idaho National Guard, and lots of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts on hand, doing everything from helping with coat check and serving refreshments to getting the first dances with the first lady and governor. Tickets are on sale at the Welcome Center in the garden level of the state capitol, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays excluding holidays. They also can be purchased online here.

State law charges the Idaho National Guard's adjutant general with administering the ball, which is funded entirely through ticket sales. The adjutant general also oversees the public inauguration ceremony for the governor and constitutional officers, which is set for Jan. 7 at noon on the capitol steps.