Kenney plans informal festivities to mark Jan. 4 inauguration

To celebrate his inauguration next month, Philadelphia mayor-elect Jim Kenney has decided to break with tradition. Instead of a ball, he’s throwing a block party — but you still won’t get in unless you’re on the list. 

It may not be a black-tie affair, but Kenney’s inaugural block party at the Pennsylvania Convention Center is invite-only.

Spokeswoman Lauren Hitt said about 1,500 of his biggest supporters, appointees and other politicos will enjoy food-truck fare and live music by students from the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts.

“It really is just Jim’s style,” she said. “I think he would have been uncomfortable with anything that was big or extravagant or required him to wear a tux — quite literally uncomfortable with that.”

And while there may not be any ballgowns or pricey cocktails, everyone who is invited to Kenney’s inaugural bash is being asked to make a donation to benefit the Philadelphia School District.  Those who want to attend a reception before the block party hosted by the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia (and attended by Kenney) are expected to donate at least $5,000. Hitt would not say exactly how much the mayor-elect expects to raise from the event or how much the early reception will generate. 

Kenney will be inaugurated on Jan. 4.

This is a corrected story.  The original version wrongly reported that those attending the block party are required to make a donation to the Philadelphia School District.