Inauguration Events in Atlanta, Georgia

• Atlanta, where Georgia governors are inaugurated every four years Jumper/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Georgia elects or re-elects a governor every four years, for up to two terms. Inaugural events involve ceremonies, such as the Inaugural Prayer Service, and parties, such as the Inaugural Ball. The state reelected its 81st governor, Sonny Perdue, in 2006 and inaugurated him in 2007.

Governor's Mansion Open House

• The Georgia governor and first lady traditionally meet visitors at the governor's mansion at the start of three days of inaugural events. The open house is free to the public and entails a tour through the 30-room, Greek revival style home. It was designed by Thomas Bradbury and built in 1967 on 18 acres in northeast Atlanta.

  Tours are also given throughout the year, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Free parking is at the Church of the Apostles on Northside Parkway, with a shuttle bus service until 4:30 p.m., as of October, 2010. No parking is available at the mansion.

Inaugural Prayer Service

• The inaugural prayer service is a morning ceremony that takes place the day of the swearing-in, and inaugural ball. It is free and open to the public, at the Church of the Apostles on Northside Parkway. Seating is limited inside the church.

Swearing-In Ceremony

• The swearing-in ceremony is by ticket-only at the Philips Arena. The doors generally open at 12:30 p.m., with the ceremony starting at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive at least an hour early and to wear business attire. The will call window for tickets is open in the Philips Arena from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  The most recent inauguration, for Perdue, was held January 13, "allowing thousands of citizens the opportunity to witness the historic event," according to the governor's office.

Celebration

• The inaugural celebration is held at the Georgia World Congress Center. Admission is by ticket, only. Business or black-tie attire is appropriate. Past entertainment has included Ray Charles, the Swingin' Medallions, U.S. Beat, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

  Parking is limited at the Philips Arena and the World Congress, so guests are encouraged to use taxis, MARTA and other public transportation.

  More than 12,000 attendees danced in honor of Sonny Perdue's 2003 inauguration at the Georgia World Congress Center.