TJC Apache Belles to Perform in Texas Inaugural Parade

AUSTIN — The Tyler Junior College Apache Belles will appear in today’s Texas Inaugural Parade for Governor-elect Greg Abbott. The Apache Belles join groups from around the state as they perform for the new governor and celebrate his first day of holding the state’s highest office. The parade will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. today, and the parade route will extend up Congress Avenue to the Capitol. No information was immediately released on whether the parade will be televised or streamed live.

“This will be a momentous day in the history of Texas,” Apache Belles Director Jasilyn Schaefer said, “and the Apache Belles are honored to take part. It has been 14 years since Texas has inaugurated a new governor, as Rick Perry has been the longest-serving governor in our state’s history. Today, former Attorney General Greg Abbott will become Texas’ 48th governor, and the Apache Belles are proud to be part of the celebration.”

This is not the first time the Belles have been a part of Texas inaugural history. In 1991, Ann Richards was sworn in as the first female governor of Texas, and the Apache Belles marched in her Inaugural Parade.

The Apache Belles’ Austin experience wouldn’t be complete without a lesson on Texas history. The team spent the morning with Matt Schaefer, state representative for District 6 and husband of Apache Belles Director Schaefer, as he and his staff conducted tours of the Capitol and the House Floor prior to the parade.