Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, January 7, 1994 TAG: 9401070151
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
The 400-person luncheon at a Richmond hotel next Thursday and a prayer breakfast for 1,000 the morning of the Jan. 15 inauguration were the first events to sell out, Melissa Herring, an inauguration spokeswoman, said Thursday.
Tickets are still available for a business leaders' luncheon Monday with Allen, a hoedown Thursday night, the "Governor's Gala" entertainment show the night before the inauguration and the inaugural balls.
Although many of the events are traditional, Allen's staff is emphasizing the casual, fun gatherings such as the "Red, White and Boots" Inaugural Hoedown.
"He wants this week to show what kind of governor he's going to be, and to have as much fun as possible," said Melinda Farris, executive director of the inaugural committee.
The hoedown costs $50 a head, but that includes free beef jerky, chicken wings and ham biscuits. Attending an inaugural ball will cost $100 a person.
Allen denied rumors that he is taking dance lessons to prepare for the big night.
"I can't dance, and lessons won't help," he said Wednesday.
Also on the agenda is the inaugural parade after the noon swearing-in ceremony, in which traditional marching bands and drill teams will be interspersed with the less-traditional Harley-Davidson Riders for George Allen.
"I think sooner or later, he'll get into a Harley," cracked Hoss Waugh, sponsor of the biker group.
About 100 bikers will ride in formation during the parade after the swearing-in. "If it's cold, they'll be wearing their leathers," Waugh said.
by CNB