The Governor’s Inaugural Ball

Wish you could attend the inauguration of Barack Obama but could not get a ticket? Cheer up. One of the great things about living in the Triangle is easy access to state government events in Raleigh, and that includes the inauguration of Beverly Perdue, who will be North Carolina’s first female governor.

Perdue’s inauguration will take place on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 10, but the inaugural ball and related festivities will be held prior to that time at various venues in Raleigh. Tickets to it and related events are available online until Wednesday, Jan. 7. As of this writing, the Governor’s Elect Reception is sold out, but you can purchase tickets for the following:

Inaugural Ball – This event will occur Friday, Jan. 9 from 9 p.m. until midnight, with an expected 5,000-plus people to attend. Held at the new Raleigh Convention Center, tickets are $125 per person. Some of North Carolina’s top chefs will create hors d’oeuvres and desserts for the ball. Providing music will be several bands based in the state, including Fantasy, Chatham County Line, Tres Chicas and The Rick McClanahan Trio.

Council of State Reception – Honoring the new Council of State including the Lieutenant Governor, this reception will occur Thursday, Jan. 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Held at the Raleigh Marriott City Center next to the Raleigh Convention Center, tickets are $125 per person. Café Mars will be the featured entertainment. Anticipated attendance estimates range from 1,000-1,200 people.

Rock the Ball – An event designed for a younger crowd to celebrate the change in power, this will be held Thursday, Jan. 8 from 9 p.m.-midnight. Held at Lincoln Theatre, tickets are $20 per person. Featured entertainment will be Dillon Fence and Pico Vs. Island Trees. Anticipated attendance is 900.

As for the inauguration itself, it will include the swearing-in of Perdue at 10:30 a.m., a parade afterward along Fayetteville Street starting at 12:30 p.m., and an open house at the Executive Mansion at 2:30 p.m. If you do not feel like fighting the traffic and crowds, you can watch the event on TV Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon on WRAL. Whatever you do, enjoy the moment, as these things happen only every four years.