Locals To Celebrate Inauguration

COLUMBUS, Ohio—While millions gather in Washington D.C. to take part in the inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama, Central Ohioans are getting ready to celebrate the historic day.

There are plenty of house parties to celebrate the beginning of the new presidency Tuesday, NBC 4‘s Marshall McPeek reported.

Many of the gatherings are small, but some are larger public events where guests can soak up the atmosphere.

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At the Franklin Park Conservatory, doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the party will be held in the atrium. There will be large screens to watch highlights from the day.

“People can tour the conservatory and see the orchid forest. It’s an island adventure. It’s nice and warm in here,“ said Christopher Lowe, of Franklin Park Conservatory. “We’d like you to make a reservation online at moveon.org, but if not, come on down. It’s no problem and we’ll be ready for you.“

During the day Tuesday, you can get caught up in the festivities at the King Arts Complex, where the swearing in ceremony and parades will be shown on the big screen in the Pythian Theatre.

Souvenirs will be distributed and admission is $10.

The Zanzibar Café is having a special brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The ceremonies will be shown on a big screen as well.

Many Central Ohioans had Monday off for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, but Tuesday means it’s back to work.

With that in mind, many workplaces are giving employees a way to watch the inauguration, NBC 4‘s Mikaela Hunt reported.

Employees at Media Source in Grandview Heights will watch the inaugural on a large screen in their studio.

“We all work together and we wanted to share this moment—no matter who you voted for,“ said Tom Betti, of Media Source.

Betti said the organization of Tuesday is rather unique. Beyond the visual aid, the company developed a way to simulate even the tastes and scents of the day.

A menu showcases what’s in store for their presidential potluck Tuesday.

“Some of our past presidents have eaten some very strange things. Richard Nixon comes to mind—he loved cottage cheese and ketchup,“ Betti said.

Two items planned are Bill Clinton’s Big Macs and commander in cheesecake.

As Media Source prepares its presidential paper place settings, they hope other companies follow suit.

“I encourage all companies to do what we’re doing. It doesn’t have to be about politics. It’s about our country,“ Betti said.

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