Inaugural plans for McDonnell coming together

By Bill Bartel
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 18, 2009

The celebration of Bob McDonnell's Jan. 16 inauguration as Virginia's 71st governor will begin a week earlier with black-tie balls in Norfolk and Abingdon, the inaugural committee announced Thursday.

The $100-a-ticket formal dances are among a number of events being planned.

The Hampton Roads Ball's theme is "A Salute to Virginia's Veterans." It will be held Jan. 10 at the Chrysler Museum of Art.

Inauguration day will begin with a $35-a-ticket prayer breakfast at the Richmond Marriott.

It will be followed by McDonnell's swearing-in ceremony at noon in front of the State Capitol and a parade at 12:45 p.m. Both are open to the public. Few seats will be available, but people who attend will be able to view the ceremony on JumboTron monitors.

The Inaugural Ball, which requires a $100 ticket, will be held at 8 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

The incoming first lady, Maureen McDonnell, is scheduled to host a $50-a-person luncheon Jan. 17 at the Omni Richmond Hotel.

More events will be announced in the coming weeks, the committee said. Details will be added to the inaugural Web site, www.mcdonnellinaugural.com.

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