North Carolina's public celebration of its new slate of statewide elected officials will fill the state capital with sounds of marching bands, cheers of well-wishers and a new governor's aspirations for the next four years.
    
Thousands were expeted near Capitol Square in downtown Raleigh on Saturday morning for the inaugural ceremony. The traditional event is where Council of State members are officially sworn in to office.

Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and Lt. Gov. Dan Forest took their oaths several days ago, but they will take them a second time publicly and McCrory will deliver his inaugural speech. The other eight returning council members also were elected in November.

The inaugural parade follows the ceremony. McCrory and his wife also will hold an open house at the Executive Mansion.

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