Party for the President

L.A. Times Archives

Jan. 19, 1997 12 AM PT

A preview of inauguration activities, which feature a big concert tonight, the swearing-in Monday morning and 14 balls Monday night.

PARADE WEATHER PREDICTION

Mostly cloudy, chance of light snow. Morning in low teens, rising into 20s by afternoon. Strong winds possible.

WEATHER FLASHBACK

In 1985, 7-degree temperatures and a -20 windchill forced cancellation of the inaugural parade.

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INAUGURAL TIP SHEET

* Web site: Information about the history, planning, pictures and events related to the event can be found on the first-ever official inauguration Web site. (https://www.inaugural97.com) In addition to facts, pictures and information, Web visitors can interactive with The Inaugural Classroom, a joint venture with PBS.

* Digital photos: Another Web site (https://www.dtic.mil/afic) will offer photos within two hours of the event. Type “public” for user name and “public” for password.

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THE TAB

The inauguration will cost about $30 million. Of this, $9 million will be supplied from the surplus fund from the 1993 inauguration. The rest will be raised through sales of tickets to the inaugural balls and the gala. Full details of inauguration financing will be released in March.

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MILESTONES

* First inauguration: George Washington, in 1789, in New York.

* First D.C. inauguration: Thomas Jefferson, in 1801.

* First inaugural ball: James Madison’s inauguration, 1809.

* First to be televised: Harry Truman, 1949

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DONKEY BUSINESS

Irene the donkey, official mascot of the Democratic Party, is sharing a suite in the majestic Mayflower Hotel downtown. Irene, brought in from her home state of Alabama will strut down Pennsylvania Avenue in Monday’s inaugural parade. She is also set to visit several inaugural balls, wearing a red, white and blue gown from Bloomingdale’s, her owner said.

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SCHEDULE

TODAY

All times Pacific

9 to 11 p.m.: Inaugural Gala. Performers include Gloria Estefan, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Aretha Franklin, Whoopi Goldberg, Dave Matthews Band, Kenny G, Bernadette Peters, Kenny Rogers, James Taylor and Stevie Wonder. Show broadcast on KCBS-TV Channel 2 from 9 to 11 p.m.

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MONDAY

All times Pacific

* 5 a.m.: Inaugural prayer service (CSPAN, CNN)

* 8 a.m.: Pre-ceremony musical program (CSPAN, CNN, CBS, KABC-TV Channel 7, KNBC-TV Channel 4)

* 8:45 a.m.: Vice President Al Gore sworn in. (CSPAN, CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC)

* 9 a.m.: President Clinton sworn in. Inaugural address follows. (CSPAN, CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC)

Musical selection: Immanuel Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra.

Selection: Poet Miller Williams.

Benediction: The Rev. Gardner Taylor.

National Anthem: Santita Jackson and the Resurrection Choir.

* 11:00 a.m.: Inauguaral parade.