Hartford’s mayor-elect Arunan Arulampalam is inviting the public to take part in a series of public forums along with his inaugural celebrations as becomes the 68th mayor of the city next month.
The celebrations are scheduled for Jan. 4, with a prayer service, remarks, and a celebratory ball to kick off the transition as outgoing Mayor Luke Bronin, who has held the office since 2016, departs.
An Interfaith Prayer Service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at Center Church followed by an inaugural reception at noon at the Old State House Square at 800 Main St. To round out the evening, a “Believe in Hartford” ball is planned at the Connecticut Convention Center.
‘A city hall that looks like this city’: Incoming Hartford Mayor Arulampalam names staff members
The ball will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a VIP reception, followed by cocktails at 6 p.m. A formal dinner with remarks and guest speakers will begin at 7 p.m.
“As we look forward to what this new year has in store for us, it’s important to give ourselves the opportunity to celebrate and come together as a city,” Arulampalam said in a statement. “We have many challenges and opportunities that await us, and I am forever grateful for the trust our city has placed in me. I hope you can join me in celebrating Hartford’s future.”
In addition, the mayor-elect’s transition team will be hosting two public forums this month to engage residents. The forums will allow residents to speak about policy ideas and what issues are most important to them. Arulampalam said it’s important to him that he have those discussions before being inaugurated.
The first public forum kicks off on Dec. 11, at the American Legion on Main Street. The second forum is scheduled for the following Monday on Dec. 18, at the Hartford Public Library, Park Street Branch. Both forums will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Hartford Land Bank seeking new leader as Arulampalam becomes mayor
Tickets for the Believe in Hartford Ball are $85 for residents and $125 for non-residents and can be purchased on the event website along with sponsorship info for businesses.
There are pricier opportunities that bring extra benefits.
According to the Believe in Hartford Ball site:
- Platinum Sponsorship, $10,000: Includes 6 VIP tickets, 4 General Admission tickets, a reserved table for ten, and prominent recognition throughout event venue on signage and screens.
- Gold Sponsorship, $5,000: Includes 4 VIP tickets, 2 General Admission tickets, reserved seating for six, and recognition throughout event venue on signage and screens.
- Silver Sponsorship, $2,500: Includes 2 VIP tickets, 2 General Admission tickets, reserved seating for four, and recognition at the event.
- Bronze Sponsorship, $1000: Recognition at the event
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
