With only 10 days left until his inauguration, Delaware Gov.-elect Matt Meyer kicked off a series of inaugural events, starting in the state’s capital.

On Saturday, Jan. 11, after making remarks in front of senior leader members of the Delaware National Guard at Delaware State University, Meyer took a walking tour of several local businesses in downtown Dover.

Throughout the day, Meyer spoke with a wide range of community leaders and members and about what he seeks to bring with his incoming administration.

Here’s what happened.

More: Matt Meyer’s inauguration day to include outdoor swearing-in ceremony, reception and ball

Matt Meyer meets with the Delaware National Guard

Before embarking on the first inaugural event of the day, Meyer’s first stop was on the Delaware State University campus, where he spoke with several high-ranking leaders on the importance of “teamwork and community.”

Along with speaking about his own experiences related to service, Meyer also talked about working to ensure that the state National Guard – which he called “[the] cornerstone of Delaware’s strength” – and their loved ones remain supported.

Matt Meyer walks through downtown Dover

Following his remarks, Meyer then traveled further down Dover, where he explored more of what he calls “the crown jewel” corridor of the city.

Starting at Janaid’s Salon for Men, Meyer went downtown, stopping at several small businesses along the tour.

This also included Key to Life Juice Bar, where Meyer tried a sample of ginger juice; Agapé Body Piercings; and the DSU Center for Urban Revitalization & Entrepreneurship.

During the tour, Meyer also talked about his experiences as a small business owner and his dedication to helping “keep the momentum going” for local businesses in Delaware’s capital with his incoming administration.

Meyer also met with several small business owners and employees and spoke more about his determination to help contribute to the growth of “the backbone of [the] state.”

“It’s the capital city, and there are a lot of people working very hard for a long time to make sure it thrives,” Meyer said. “There’s a certain momentum and energy now around the work of the Downtown Dover Partnership, and I’m excited now in my new job in 10 days to start being a part of that.”

Gov.-elect Matt Meyer nominates some familiar faces to serve on his Cabinet

What other inaugural events are taking place?

Throughout the next few days, Meyer is scheduled to make several more stops leading up to his inauguration.

These stops include an inaugural bike ride at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes and an interfaith breakfast at The Parlors at Delaware State University in Dover.

The incoming first lady of Delaware, Lauren Meyer, will also make an appearance, hosting a brunch alongside several statewide community leaders in Dewey Beach.

These events – with the exception of the community reception following the swearing-in ceremony of both Meyer and Lt. Gov.-elect Kyle Evans Gay – will be open to the public but require registration and/or the purchase of tickets.

Registration links and additional details can be found on the governor-elect’s transition website.

What else will Meyer be doing?

Meyer is also scheduled to participate in a series of public service-related events and initiatives before his inauguration.

This will include helping collect items for donation drives to help benefit the organizations Milford Advocacy for the Homeless and Love Inc. in several locations across Sussex County.

Meyer also plans to lend a hand in several service projects across the First State.

In the meantime: For the next 2 weeks, Bethany Hall-Long will be Delaware’s governor. Here’s why

This will include a donation drive in Seaford, a revitalization of Towne Point Elementary School in Dover and a series of public service activities in Wilmington for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

“We wanted to do something that included Delawareans and represented the kind of service-oriented leadership we want to provide to the state,” Meyer said.

When is inauguration day for Matt Meyer?

Meyer will be officially sworn in as state governor on Tuesday, Jan. 21.  

Gay will also take her oath of office that same day.

Tickets for the general public to the swearing-in ceremony are now available on the governor-elect’s transition website. (Tickets are not required to attend the community reception following the ceremony.)  

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach her at omontes@delawareonline.com.