Strickland-Fisher announce inaugural events

The Ted Strickland-Lee Fisher Inaugural Committee today announced festivities that will surround the oath-of-office ceremony next Saturday, Jan. 13.

Among the weekend performers are the Baby Grands from the School for the Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati.

Strickland, the Democratic governor-elect, will be officially sworn in during a private Statehouse ceremony at 12:01 a.m. Monday Jan. 8. Gov. Bob Taft's second term ends at midnight on Sunday Jan. 7.

"Ted’s optimism and hope in Ohio’s future will be reflected throughout the inaugural celebrations," said former U.S. Sen. John Glenn, inaugural committee co-chair. "The festivities will be a display of the unity among all Ohioans and the beginning of our shared efforts to turn around Ohio."

The morning begins with an ecumenical prayer service, where clergy of different faiths from throughout Ohio will share scripture readings and spiritual reflections. The St. Joseph Cathedral Schola from Columbus will provide the musical accompaniment.

The morning continues with an inaugural tribute to the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The program will highlight Dr. King’s achievements through music and photos, and children from across Ohio will present readings about his life and excerpts from his work.

Following the oath-of-office ceremony, a "Beautiful Ohio" program will showcase a snapshot of talented Ohioans, from student groups to national performers.

The Ohio Inaugural Ball will take place Saturday evening at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. Tickets are required for the inaugural ball. All other events are free and open to the public.

As part of the celebration, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Franklin Park Conservatory and the Riffe Gallery in Columbus will be open to the public at no cost.

A Turnaround Ohio web site, is here, for up-to-date inaugural information. In addition to event and accommodation details, the site has information on how to support the efforts of the inaugural charity, the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks.

Following is the schedule of events for Saturday, Jan 13:

Ecumenical Prayer Service
Location: Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 E Broad St.
When: 7 a.m.
Performers: St. Joseph’s Cathedral Schola

Inaugural Tribute to the Life of Martin Luther King
Location: The Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
When: 9:30 a.m.
Performers: Cleveland School of the Arts Chorale
The Baby Grands (The School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Cincinnati)
Faith Esham
Cornelius Bethea

Swearing-in of Ted Strickland and Lee Fisher as governor and lieutenant governor
Location: West Lawn of the Ohio Statehouse
When: 11:30 a.m.
Performers: The All-Ohio State Fair Band
The Red Chorale (from the All-Ohio Youth Choir)
Faith Esham
Trevor Henderson
Sergeant First Class Robert A. Scott

Beautiful Ohio! A Public Reception
Location: The Palace Theatre
When: 2 p.m.
Performers: Dublin Taiko Drummers
Cleveland School of the Arts
The Baby Grands (The School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Cincinnati)
The Bucket Boyz
The Zanesville High School Devilettes dance team
Indira Satyapriva and the Nalanda School of Asian Indian Dance
Steve Free
Jessica Grové
Dwight Lenox and the Lenox Avenue Express
Ladies of Longford
Red {an Orchestra}
Pianist Spencer Myer

The Ohio Inaugural Ball
Tickets $75 each. Black-tie Optional
Location: The Lausche and Rhodes Buildings (Ohio State Fairgrounds)
When: 8 p.m.
Performers: Sammy DeLeon y su Orquesta
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