Governor Schwarzenegger, on advice of his doctors, has decided to skip attending the pre-inaugural celebration that kicks off tomorrow outside the state Capitol.

The governor continues to recuperate from surgery to repair his right femur, which he fractured in a skiing mishap over the Christmas holidays.

In a written statement this afternoon, Schwarzenegger said: “After meeting with my doctor he has advised me to rest, elevate my leg and stay off of my feet for as long as possible.”

The Thursday event is an environmental celebration of sorts, featuring items and booths touting the governor’s greener side.

The statement appears to say, however, that First Lady Maria Shriver will still attend tomorrow’s festivities. But the big guy won’t take to the crutches until Friday, when he takes the oath of office at Sacramento’s Memorial Auditorium.