Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, December 7, 1993                   TAG: 9312070251
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ROB EURE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Medium

`RED, WHITE AND BOOTS' DRESS UP ALLEN INAUGURATION

Until Charles Robb's inauguration in 1982, the ceremonies were held on the south side of the Capitol, atop a hillside stretching down to the James River. The move to the historic building's north side was made to accommodate more spectators.

Allen, who will take office Jan. 15, plans to be sworn in and deliver his inaugural address from a stand on the south side, then walk through the capitol to review his inaugural parade from the north side.

"This will allow us to accommodate about 1,000 more people," said Melinda Farris, who is heading Allen's inaugural.

Allen plans a week of inaugural events to herald the return of Republicans to the Executive Mansion after 12 years.

At a news conference Monday, Allen's party planners said they will mail invitations to the inaugural balls and other events within two weeks.

The ticket most in demand is expected to be one of the 13,000 passes to the three inaugural balls. Farris said each ball will be similar, with guests assigned by region. The $100-per-person price makes it the top-dollar event of the inaugural celebration.

Corporate package tickets to the entire week of events range from $5,000 to $25,000.

The events begin with luncheon with Allen for business leaders on Jan. 10 and include a luncheon later in the week with his wife, Susan, and a tour of the Capitol grounds for Allen's daughter and her kindergarten class.

One new event is a "Red, White and Boots" hoedown Jan. 13. The $50-per-person party is the only non-black-tie evening event scheduled and will feature "the best entertainment Virginia has to offer," Farris said.

A traditional inaugural-morning service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond has so far not been scheduled. Allen plans a prayer breakfast for $25 at a Richmond hotel instead.

Although the inaugural committee plans to send invitations soon, official invitations to the swearing-in will not be issued until around Jan. 1.

Invitations for bleacher seats to view the ceremony and Allen's address are free and will be issued by the General Assembly. There will be limited standing room for the general public.

Farris said no overall budget for the inaugural has been set. The state has appropriated $150,000 for the actual ceremony. Farris said any excess raised from the parties will be "donated to charity or a cause benefiting Virginians" by George and Susan Allen.

Democrats are not looking for invitations to the Allen events, but Lt. Gov. Don Beyer is planning an inaugural ball of his own Jan. 15 in Richmond.

\ ALLEN INAUGURATION

Jan. 13: 7 p.m., the Red, White and Boots hoedown, $50 per person, by invitation only. Jan. 14:

10:30 a.m., Young Tom Jefferson, a children's program, free.

9 p.m., The Governor's Gala, $75 per person, by invitation only. Jan. 15:

8 a.m., Inaugural Prayer Breakfast, $25.

Noon, swearing-in ceremony, address and parade. Free. Standing room available to public. Bleacher seating by invitation.

8 p.m., inaugural balls, $100 per ticket, invitation only.

8 p.m., Inaugural Youth Ball, $40 per ticket, invitation only.