A Parade, BBQ and a Ball: Austin welcomes 48th Governor

AUSTIN, Texas - Moments after the inauguration of Governor Greg Abbott, the celebration started and will continue into the Tuesday night.

The crowd favorite? A barbeque.

The sweet smell of a Texas favorite lured a large crowd of thousands.

Pit master Eddie Deen pointed people in the right direction Tuesday for a plateful. Deen and his team prepped four tons of brisket. 17,000 people were expected for the inaugural barbeque.

If you stretched out all the sausage links served, it would be a mile and a half long.

"It's exciting every four years and we've been here for 20 years for Governor Bush, Perry and now Abbott," Dee said.

Together people from all across the state shared a seat to celebrate Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.

"It's a wonderful day and I came dressed for the occasion and I think the speech the new governor gave was on point."

"When you stop and think there are 26 million people in Texas and you're one of the people here. I was excited."

The meal pleased people of all ages.

Those in the crowd say they wanted to witness the beginning of a new era in Texas politics even if it's one bite at a time.

"We came up from San Antonio. Traveled this morning looking forward to a big day and a long day with the ball later and we're having a wonderful time,"

With full stomachs from all the barbeque, thousands of people then lined Congress Avenue for the Inaugural Parade.

The parade began just after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday with the Texas military forces joint color guard leading the way.

There were marching bands from all across Texas, cheer squads and uniformed units.

Then there was the main event.

Governor Abbott, his wife Cecilia and daughter Audrey. Followed by Lt. Governor Patrick and his wife Jan.

They were led by the state's military color guard, a military band and a ceremonial unit from Texas A&M University.

Those who attended the parade say it's a day they'll never forget.

"Let me tell you, this is a wonderful experience for me. We're making history. We have young blood. We have the first lady who is Hispanic. Halleluja for inclusiveness. This is a new day in Texas," said Janie Branham, who traveled from Houston to attend festivities.

The excitement continues as last-minute preps are being done for Tuesday night's ball.

It will start at 7:30 p.m. with performances by Lady Antebellum and Pat Green.

Abbott and Patrick will speak later in the night.

Around 10-15,000 people are expected to attend.