A Democrat is being sworn in as governor of Iowa for the first time in 30 years, and the Inaugural Committee is making it a celebration for all Iowans, not just one particular political party.

Tom Vilsack, former state senator from Mount Pleasant, will take the gubernatorial reigns from Republican Terry Branstad at 9 a.m. today with Sally Pederson at his side as lieutenant governor.

The ceremony will take place at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines.

“Inaugural events bring everyone together,” said Phyllis Peters, member of the Inaugural Host Committee and communications specialist for the College of Veterinary Medicine.

“It’s more of a celebration when it is inclusive of everyone,” she said.

The committee has several events scheduled in Des Moines, in addition to the inauguration ceremony.

Starting at 11 a.m. and lasting throughout the day, the Taste of Iowa celebration in downtown Des Moines will showcase food from different regions of Iowa.

The Iowa Egg Council, 535 East Lincoln Way, and the Iowa Beef Council, 2055 Ironwood Ct., both located in Ames, will participate in this event.

The Capitol Building will host an open house, including tours of the governor’s office, all day Friday.

The Governor’s Musical Gala will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the Civic Center in Des Moines. Musical acts will include musician Ray Charles and Simon Estes, opera singer and Iowa native.

The Millennium Ball is a youth event for ages 15-21, held in the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines at 8 p.m. The Nadas, an Ames-based band, will be part of the live music entertainment.

Both Vilsack and Pederson will make appearances at the celebrations.

Although tickets for the Governor’s Musical Gala are sold out, tickets for the Millennium Ball are available at the door for $10. All other events are free and open to the public.

Christopher Moody, communications director for the Inaugural Committee, has been working to make the inaugural events open to as many Iowans as possible.

“It is very important to Tom Vilsack that the inaugural festivities are accessible to all Iowans, and the Inaugural Committee is working hard to make that possible,” he said.