Inaugural ceremonies set for Jan. 8

The state's capital city is preparing for the Jan. 8, 2011 inaugural ceremonies and social events, and tickets for the two evening balls go on sale Monday.Tickets for the Capitol Ball and the Inaugural Ball at the Ramkota River Centre are each $25 per person.  Ticket sales began on Dec. 6. Tickets can be purchased online at www.pierretickets.com, by calling toll free 1-877-794-9993 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce at 800 W. Dakota Ave. in Pierre.The evening balls culminate the day's activities that include oath of office ceremonies for Governor-elect Dennis Daugaard and other elected state officials.State legislators will take their oaths in ceremonies at 11 a.m. in the House and Senate chambers in the state Capitol.  The Governor-elect and other elected state officials will take their oaths in a noon ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.The oath ceremonies are open and free to the public, although limited seating is available.  The public can also greet the new governor and First Lady and other elected officials in a receiving line from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the first floor of the Capitol.The Capitol Ball begins at 6:30 p.m. in the State Capitol and features the Pierre big band Over Forte.  The Inaugural Ball at the Ramkota River Center begins at 8 p.m. and features the South Dakota National Guard 147th Army Band.  Both balls include a grand march of elected state officials.Planning for the inaugural ceremonies is done by a committee appointed by the city of Pierre.  Scott and Julia Jones of Pierre co-chair the 2011 Inaugural Committee.