By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Monday, January 19, most of Alabama’s statewide elected officials, including Governor Robert Bentley (R), will be inaugurated in Montgomery.
The events begin with an Inaugural Prayer Service at River City Church on 301 Dexter Avenue at 7:30 am. The inaugural committee had announced that the prayer service was canceled due to limited funds, but State Auditor-elect Jim Zeigler announced that he would host the service instead.
The Zeigler-paid-for service will be just a block from where crowds will gather for the 9 a.m. swearing-in of statewide officials. The Speaker for the service is Dr. John Killian, the immediate past President of the Alabama Baptist Convention. The public is invited, the service is free, and no tickets or reservations are required. The service will end at 8:30, and attendees can walk to Dexter Avenue and the inaugural audience for the 9 a.m. ceremony.
At 9:00 a.m. there will be Swearing-in Ceremonies on the front steps of the state capitol on Dexter Avenue. Both the Booker T. Washington High School Choir and the Alabama National Guard Band will perform.
At 11:00 a.m. there will be a Parade on Dexter Avenue. Following the parade, there will be a free party at the historic Cramton Bowl. The historic 25,000 seat stadium opened in 1922. The party will include free soft drinks and barbecue. Participants can view both the University of Alabama and Auburn University football National Championship Trophies.
Free parking is available at the Cramton Bowl parking lot. Attendees can either walk four blocks or ride a shuttle to Dexter Avenue.
The Cramton Bowl Party will include appearances by NASA astronauts, the Etowah County Youth Orchestra, The House Band, bluegrass music and cloggers from Pike County.
There will be an inaugural celebration at 7 p.m. at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel. Tickets to that event are required and cost $200 each.
