On Saturday, January 24th, the new mayor of the Thirsty Goat Lounge was sworn into office for the 2009 year.  The crowd began to thicken around seven in the evening, and by eight there wasn’t a seat to be had on the porch of the Port Inn.  

 

Ceremonies began with the pledge of allegiance and singing of the national anthem, followed by a short farewell speech, and several “pardons” by outgoing mayor David McGhee.

The crowd roared as Andy Smith was pardoned for drinking only Pabst Blue Ribbon, Boyd Pickett for being an FSU fan, and Bob Windolf for not insisting on more German beer specials.  

The incoming Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Amy Ouellette and Tommy Watson then took to the podium and were administered the oath of office by proprietor David Warriner.  After swearing on “The Bartender’s Bible” (a popular book of drink recipes,) that they were willing and able to perform the duties of Mayor and Deputy Mayor, the ceremony came to a close with a speech from the newly elected Mayor, assuring all of her loyal followers that she would make good on the many promises that she made during her campaign.  

Past Mayor McGhee was asked back to the podium and officially “passed the gavel” on to Ouellette.  Ouellette then presented McGhee with a certificate of appreciation for his year of service as the first, self appointed mayor of the Thirsty Goat.  A Photo of McGhee and future mayors will be hung inside the lounge creating what is to be the Hall of Mayors.

The festivities continued with an inaugural parade in the mayoral golf cart around the block, zipping past the Burger King drive thru in the process. 

The inaugural ball followed, with patrons dancing to hits like “Don’t stop” (thinking about tomorrow), by Fleetwood Mac. 

After a whirlwind trip around the bar shaking hands and kissing babies, the evening ended and the new administration retired to their respective domiciles.