So far, I've found three public spaces in the Richmond area that will be throwing down with democratic fervor when President George W. Bush lets his 78% disapproval rating hit him on the rearside, and America welcomes Barack Obama and Joe Biden to the White House.
- Toad's Place: Style Weekly and Toad's Place will bring an appropriate amount of urban and urbane energy to the swearing-in with 15 big screens from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. I was oddly disappointed that Toad's Place did not develop signature sandwiches for the event. It's free. It's downtown.
- St. Paul's Episcopal Church: A few things you should know. St. Paul's is where Robert E. Lee worshipped. It's also where the nation's first elected black governor held his pre-inaugural prayer service. That'd be L. Douglas Wilder if you dozed off in history class, or life. On Tuesday, the downtown church will host an interfaith service of prayer and music, open to the public. The service will be followed by a gathering in the church's Parrish Hall to watch the swearing-in.
- Northminster Baptist Church: This Northside church has a couple of really big TV screens, and they're opening their doors to the community from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. for an informal gathering and viewing of the big event.
Nikole, Thea and I will celebrate and watch the inauguration with friends at their Northside home. Where are you going to be inspired?
