President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are being sworn in at the Nation’s Capital today. Here’s what you need to know about everything happening in Chicago.
The day has finally arrived and Inauguration is upon us. While the celebrations may be looking a bit different this year, you can still expect plenty of things going on around Chicago. From road closures to Inauguration Day specials and virtual events, here’s everything you need to know about Inauguration Day in Chicago.
Inauguration Ceremony And Other Virtual Festivities
The official proceedings of Inauguration are expected to start on Wednesday around noon ET (11 am Chicago time). Biden and Harris will be taking the Oaths of Office in Washington, D.C. followed by the Inaugural address and the swearing-in ceremony. The official events will be live-streamed on the Presidential Inaugural Committee YouTube page.
This year, the traditional inaugural parade has been replaced with a televised “Virtual Parade Across America” showcasing communities across the country. It will reportedly feature Chicago’s South Shore Drill Team.
Biden will receive a Presidential Escort to the White House consisting of representatives from every branch of the military in a historical journey to the White House without large crowds and gatherings. The virtual parade will be starting around 3.15 pm ET (2.15 pm Chicago time).
In addition to all the official events, actor Tom Hanks will also host a 90-minute prime-time TV special, “Celebrating America,” starting at 8.30 pm ET (7:30 pm Chicago time). It which will feature performances by Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake, Foo Fighters, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, and more.
The program will also feature remarks from Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris, footage of American heroes across the country, and a range of stories of young people making a difference in their local communities,
This will also be live-streamed on the Inaugural Committee’s official YouTube page.
Closures And Precautions
Chicago City Hall will be closed today Wednesday, January 20 as a “purely precautionary measure” intended to keep the city safe and peaceful during President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Chicago will activate its Emergency Operations Center and coordinate public safety responses between the police, fire, and city departments so that they are all “fully prepared to take protective action.”
Chicago shares a national concern for possible violence following the deadly storming of the Capitol Building earlier this month. Local businesses can text CHIBIZ to 67283 to sign up for emergency alerts that might affect their businesses in the event that there is civil unrest.
Chicago’s City Hall (121 N. LaSalle St.) will be closed to the public on Wednesday, January 20 as a precautionary step to ensure public safety on Inauguration Day. At this time, OEMC is not aware of any actionable activity being planned in Chicago. For Emergencies, call 9-1-1. pic.twitter.com/Xi3brW6rcB
— Chicago OEMC (@ChicagoOEMC) January 19, 2021
Inauguration Day Specials
While attending Inauguration this year might be out of the question, you can still celebrate safely by watching the ceremony at home. These spots are offering special Inauguration Day deals so you can toast to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris from the comfort of your own home. With the pandemic severely impacting Chicago’s small businesses and hospitality industry it is the perfect occasion to treat yourself to delivery or takeout.
- Smack Dab Chicago has started a week of discounts and offers. Today their special “‘Holy Hell It’s Over’ Hump Day” is a breakfast sandwich, pastry, and a coffee for $8 whilst tomorrow’s deal “Dirty Dozen” is several vegan cake doughnuts for $12.
- Aba, Fulton Market’s favorite Mediterranean restaurant is cooking up four-course dinner specials for two at $24.95 per person.
- Avli Taverna in Lincoln Park is offering two cocktail specials called El Presidente and Pelosi’s Paloma.
- Fancy Plants Cafe in Lakeview will be giving away several hundred vegan burgers between 2 pm and 6 pm to mark inauguration day. They can be found at 613 W. Briar Place, there is also a heated outdoor dining area.
- Curt’s Cafe, the non-profit coffee shop and restaurant also offering a week of inauguration specials.
- Convito Cafe in Wilmette is offering an Italian-American Inauguration Day combo meal at $27.50 for one or $48 for two.
Chicago’s restaurants are taking advantage of Inauguration Day by offering specials https://t.co/9b0ure7lL5
— Eater Chicago (@eaterchicago) January 19, 2021
[Featured Image from Instagram / @barrybutler9]