PARTY FOR A PRESIDENT: AREA RESIDENTS PLAN TO ATTEND INAUGURATION FOR GEORGE W. BUSH

Cape Girardeau lawyer John Oliver isn't sure exactly what happens during inaugural events but Donna and John Lichtenegger are fairly familiar with the schedule.

Oliver, his wife and daughter, and the Lichteneggers will all attend inaugural events this weekend in Washington, D.C., for President-elect George W. Bush.

"I don't really know what to expect or what people do," Oliver said. But he does know that his schedule for the weekend will include several key events.

Inaugural events begin Thursday at noon and conclude with a White House open house on Sunday.

"As far as I'm concerned this is history," Oliver said. "And everybody should go out and enjoy it." The Olivers will attend a dinner Thursday evening for campaign contributors and an event Friday with Laura Bush, a veterans event with Vice President-elect Dick Cheney and a youth party that includes guest Ricky Martin. They will also be at the swearing-in and parade.

But that is just a fraction of the events, galas and balls available to people interested in attending the inaugural activities. There will be eight balls in all, dozens of receptions and meetings during the four-day event.

54th inauguration

The inauguration is planned as both a celebration of the beginning of a new presidency and a celebration of the American people, spirit and the nation's system of government, said Jeanne Johnson Philips, executive director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

The theme is "Celebrating America's spirit together." The inauguration will be the 54th presidential event for the country.

Donna Lichtenegger expects plenty of people in Southeast Missouri to watch the televised events because the election campaign and aftermath were so intense.

"In this election we worked hard to get there," she said.

The Lichteneggers have plans to attend the swearing-in ceremony and parade on Saturday and the Missouri Ball later that evening.

"The parade is really cool and people from all over the country are there," she said.

Thirty-eight marching bands have been invited to perform, including the University of Missouri Marching Mizzou band.

Though she has been to other inaugurations, Lichtenegger said this one is different.

"This one I feel proud to go to because we worked so hard within the state," she said. Lichtenegger worked as the Bush campaign co-coordinator in the 8th congressional district. In the past, her husband, John, filled that role.

The Lichteneggers bought plane tickets well in advance of the Jan. 20 event, which makes the inauguration more cost efficient. Tickets for the balls are $125 per person and are considered fund-raising events.

"That's not bad for a political event," she said. The balls are like big reunions for all the people who have worked on campaigns "and we're just ready to be happy."

Presidential Inauguration Events

Thursday

• Presidential inaugural opening celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. No tickets are necessary.
• Candlelight dinners are planned and are not open events.

Friday

• Laura Bush celebrates America's authors at 10 a.m. at the Constitution Hall. Tickets required, admission free.
• Vice President-elect salutes America's veterans at 2 p.m. at the Washington Convention Center. Tickets required, admission free.
• A concert celebrating America's youth begins at 4 p.m. Tickets required, admission $5.
• Wyoming State Society Event
• Texas Black Tie & Boots Ball at 3 p.m. Tickets, $125 for Texas State Society members, $175 for non-members.

Saturday

• Inaugural ceremony and swearing-in begins at 11:30 a.m. at U.S. Capitol. Tickets required for special viewing areas only.
• Inaugural parade begins at 2 p.m. along Pennsylvania Avenue. Tickets required for bleacher seating and range from $15 to $100.
• Inaugural balls require tickets, which cost $125. Eight balls are scheduled.

Sunday

• Washington Cathedral service
• White House open house

Source: www.inauguration-2001.com