Inauguration was a simple duty for Thomas Jefferson in 1801. He walked to the Capitol, was swiftly sworn in as President and then had a quiet lunch.
Does William Jefferson Clinton plan to follow in his idol's footsteps? No way! The President is throwing a huge party to begin his second term.
Last week workers in Washington set up chairs and platforms outside the Capitol for the 400,000 people expected at the Inaugural events.
This weekend, high-tech displays and musical shows will take over the grassy Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol. Clinton and Vice President Al Gore will be sworn in on Monday, just before a parade rumbles by the White House.
Critics say the party's $30 million price tag is too much for a second-term Inauguration. But planners insist that the celebration is simple. To help pay the cost, tickets to 14 balls and the parade went on sale last week.
Can't make the party? On a TV shopping channel, Inaugural souvenirs from license plates to china plates are up for sale.
The White House is betting that it won't rain on the President's parade. Inauguration Day was moved from March 4 to January 20 back in 1933, because that date historically has fair weather.