Western Pennsylvanians to play dual roles at Trump inauguration

WASHINGTON — Supporters and demonstrators from western Pennsylvania were both anxious for different reasons ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.

And Franklin Regional High School senior Julia Bahney was nervous because the high school’s marching band will be representing the entire state in the Inauguration Day parade.

RELATED: Franklin Regional band to perform at inauguration for 1st time in school's history

"A little bit nervous just because how much security's going to be there and how many people are going to be there,” Bahney said.

She and her fellow classmates left Thursday for Washington, D.C., where the band will march Friday as a member of the color guard.

Parents, including Chris Grieco, shared in the joy of the band performing on a national stage.

"I think they're very excited, and they can't believe they got the opportunity,” Grieco said.

Pittsburgh's Jackie Evancho will sing the national anthem at the inauguration.

"I don't do politics. I'm doing this because it's a privilege and honor to do this for my country," Evancho said.

In Lower Burrell, avid Trump supporter Dana Robinson was also preparing to depart for Washington, D.C. to attend one of the inaugural balls.

RELATED: Westmoreland County woman, Trump supporter invited to inaugural ball

"From day one we've been ridiculed. We were criticized. I can't tell you the amount of people that said, "He'll never become president.' And yet here we are," said Robinson.

Tara Nath from Bethel Park also made the trip.

"There's going to be hundreds of thousands of people, if not a million people here today," Nath said. "Just to be here with all of those people supporting our country, is just something I'll remember forever."

About 100 students from the North Allegheny School District boarded buses headed for the inauguration early Friday.

Fifteen Pittsburgh police officers were in Washington, D.C. Friday morning to help with security. They were sworn in Thursday as honorary marshals.

Meanwhile, demonstrators in Pittsburgh told Channel 11 News that they plan to take to the city’s streets on Saturday with signs in hand.

Participants in Pittsburgh's women's march spent the eve of Trump’s inauguration making signs ahead of their weekend demonstration.

Three thousand people are expected to peacefully march in Pittsburgh on Saturday.

"I think that this administration has sent out a lot of different signals, and it's up to the people to stand up and say, ‘No, this is where we want to go,” said Tracy Baton, the organizer of Women's March of Pittsburgh.

A women's march is also set to take place in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. It’s expected to draw 200,000 or more people.

Channel 11 News will be in Washington, D.C., as Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States. Join Katherine Amenta and Lisa Sylvester on WPXI for complete coverage of Friday’s Inauguration. 

SPECIAL SECTION: Complete inauguration coverage

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