BISMARCK – The Inaugural Ball of North Dakota’s 34th governor, Kelly Armstrong, will take place on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 7-10:30 p.m. in the Bismarck Event Center.

The Governor’s Heritage Foundation announced the plans on Tuesday, according to a news release.

The event will aim to return to Governor-Elect Armstrong’s roots as an American Legion baseball coach, featuring special nods to America’s favorite pastime. The gathering will honor North Dakota’s new leadership with a night of hors d’oeuvres, distinguished company and live music from Dickinson-based band Breaking Eight.

“We welcome all North Dakotans to come together to celebrate our great state stepping into a new era of leadership with Governor-Elect Kelly Armstrong and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Michelle Strinden at the helm,” said Gretchen Stenehjem, vice chair of the Governor’s Heritage Foundation. “We are proud to partner with two great statewide organizations, the North Dakota FFA Foundation and the Great Plains Food Bank, to make a meaningful impact during this celebration. We encourage all attendees to bring non-perishable items or a donation to ensure we hit a home run to serve these organizations, who are changing the lives of North Dakotans daily.”

A portion of all donations from the event will directly benefit two organizations: the North Dakota FFA Foundation and the Great Plains Food Bank.

A donation station will be available at check-in for the event.

Event attire is considered black tie optional, with attendees encouraged to add a touch of ballpark flair – such as a favorite team pin or a nod to North Dakota baseball.

The event is free to the public, but attendees must RSVP to attend.