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Inaugural bash

(Des Moines Register)It's big, it's glitzy and it's mostly free. Welcome to the Chet Culver and Patty Judge Inaugural weekend. Even if you don't follow politics, the events offer plenty of entertainment:

• Dozens of Iowa bands and musicians.

• Tours of historic Iowa sites.

• Outstanding people-watching.

Here's what you need to know if you want to party with the politicos:


THURSDAY

Culver's in Concert: The One Iowa Gala tonight at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City is pure sit-back-in-your-theater-seat entertainment. Mr. "Let's Stay Together" himself, Al Green, singing soul. Ottumwa's own comic talent Tom Arnold, who according to IMDB.com has eight (eight!) movies coming out in 2007, emceeing. The gala will also feature three magicians and several other musicians, including folkie Pieta Brown. Hancher Auditorium can accommodate up to 2,500 people for the occasion, which is the most expensive of the events at $25. Attire is business casual. Bonus: Des Moines' own Isiserettes will be there, bringing their dance, drill and instant joy.

FRIDAY

History in Action: If you work downtown, the inauguration ceremony on Friday is a great excuse to skip a morning at work - without having to leave the skywalks. Several thousand people will most likely attend the ceremony at Wells Fargo Arena. Professional attire is suggested, so you'll already be dressed appropriately. This would also be a worthwhile event for older kids. Bonus: Megan Bobo, who almost made it into "American Idol's" top 24, will perform.

The Big Free Fete: The Friday night Inaugural Ball at the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds is absolutely free, unless you count having to rent a tux or buy a new formal dress, since garb is black-tie optional. Expect an atmosphere of refined revelry, with music, drinks and dancing. Past balls have drawn up to 3,000 partygoers. This is also your best chance to say "hi" to the guv in person. Bonus: The bands change during the night, so if you can't swing to the John Morgan Big Band, maybe you can salsa to Alto Maiz or get your funk on with the Faculty Lounge.

FOOD

No Iowa party would be complete without a generous helping or three of homemade food.

Taste of Iowa Luncheon: On Friday at Hy-Vee Hall, graze on Maid-Rite sandwiches, samples from the Iowa Pork Producers and Niman Ranch, salsa from Kramer's Specialty Foods and carbo-loaded goodies from the Great Harvest Bread Company. Cost is $10.

Inaugural Ball at the Varied Industries Building: This event will showcase a smorgasbord of classics from the State Fair. Just tie a bib over your fancy duds and chow down on mini-corn dogs, funnel cakes, pork tenderloins, brats, ice cream sundaes and warm cookies from Barksdale Concessions.

Terrace Hill open house: If you can still heave your bloated body from bed on Saturday, head to Terrace Hill and nibble on seafood mousse, brandied Brie with apples and grapes, chocolate-mint brownies and fudge bars. Activities and music are also part of the fun, so it's not just about the building. Admission is free.


OTHER STATES

What other states are doing:

- In Minnesota, the second inauguration of Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) was low-key compared to four years ago, and downright somber compared to the rock concert that capped nearly two weeks of revelry for former Gov. Jesse "The Body" Ventura's inauguration in 1999. After a church service and the swearing-in ceremony, Pawlenty's team hosted a modest dinner and dance at the Minneapolis Hilton.

- Florida's Gov. Charlie Crist (R) canceled his inaugural ball, declaring such extravagance was inappropriate when many Floridians face financial hardship. Instead of a gala, his team organized a prayer breakfast, parade and tours of the mansion in Tallahassee.

- In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) staged a two-day party with more Hollywood glitz than last time around, when his inauguration followed a bitter recall election. Incidentally, the former action hero was on crutches, due to a ski accident that broke one of his legs.

- South Dakota's Gov. Mike Rounds (R) packed two formal balls and an informal public dance into a single busy day of festivities.

- In Wisconsin, incumbent Gov. Jim Doyle (D) hosted multiple-day events in several communities.

- New Mexico's "Boots 'n' Bolos" inaugural ball for incumbent Gov. Bill Richardson (D) featured tapas dishes, cowboy boots and bolo ties at two big hotels in Santa Fe.