NASHVILLE – Gov.-elect Bill Haslam’s inauguration weekend events in January will include a concert, prayer service, a parade and two balls, officials said.
Kim Kaegi, executive director of the Bill Haslam Inaugural 2011, today announced that the committee has set up a website at www.billhaslam.net.
“This site should have all of the information you need to plan your visit to Nashville for the inaugural weekend,” Kaegi said in an e-mail.
Most events require tickets and reservations, but some are free. Those interested can order tickets and make reservations at the website.
Inaugural week starts on Monday, Jan. 10, with a series of previously announced regional celebrations. They include a free, Jan. 11 event at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Reservations are requested and can be made at the billhaslam.net website.
The inauguration’s theme is “Working Together, Moving Forward” and it kicks off Jan. 14 in Nashville with a benefit concert that requires a $10 minimum donation to attend.
A morning prayer service will be held at the Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 15. It’s free but tickets are required.
The inaugural ceremony and a later parade get under way at 11 a.m. CST. The swearing-ion is at noon CST. Both are free but attendees are asked to make reservations via the website.
That evening, there is a First Couple’s Celebration Dinner. Tickets are $250. The Inaugural Ball – $50 per ticket – is later that night.
On Jan. 16, the governor’s residence will be open free to visitors from East and West Tennessee beginning at 11 a.m. On Jan. 23, an open house will be held free for Middle Tennesseans. No tickets are required but RSVPs are requested.
Meanwhile, a number of museums and other attractions across the state are opening their doors free or at reduced rates on Jan. 15. Among them is Chattanooga’s Creative Discovery Museum, which is offering half-price admission. Admission will be free at Cleveland’s Museum Center at Five Points.