County officials were pleased with the large turnout at the inauguration ceremony held at the courthouse in Poplarville on Thursday.

All elected county officials, as well as many appointed officials, took their oaths of office at the ceremony, with most being accompanied by family or friends.

Master of Ceremonies for the event was the Honorable Gene Fair, Chancery Court Judge for the Tenth District, who performed the swearing in of the various officials.

County Chancery Clerk David Earl Johnson said he felt the ceremony went well.

“I don’t think it could have been nicer. I appreciate the turnout. It was a good gesture that people care about the county government… It’s an honor to serve and we have a lot of challenges ahead of us,” Johnson said.

Patrick Lee, Supervisor for District IV, said the inauguration was the first he had ever attended, but thought it was very professional with a personalized touch.

“I didn’t expect any less. I was glad to see the support from the size of the crowd that showed… . It was also nice to meet other county officials. It was very impressive overall,” Lee said.

District III Supervisor Hudson Holliday said it was also his first time at an inauguration, and he thought the atmosphere was the best part of the whole event.

“People looked very happy and optimistic about the future and the future of the county. I think we have a good county government, and I think we’re on the same page for the county and the future,” Holliday said.

District I Supervisor Anthony Hales, who also performed the national anthem for the ceremony, said he was pleased with the way the ceremony went.

“I want to thank everyone for the support they showed… . I think everyone took their oaths seriously … and we are eager to serve the county for the next four years,” Hales said.