Across U.S., parties, viewings set for inauguration

By Andrea Hopkins

CINCINNATI (Reuters) - Cincinnati is hosting a viewing party in the city's central square, Kansas City will open its civic center and churches across America have chartered buses so supporters can watch the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in person.

In towns and cities far from Washington, Americans are gearing up to watch the swearing-in on Tuesday of the first black U.S. president at events both public and private, eager to mark the historic moment with more than the usual fanfare.

"I remember when the first man walked on the moon, watching it on television, and this is like that," said Caren Burger, a Cincinnati business owner. "I'll be glued to the TV."

While Burger plans to watch the event at home -- she said she'll be crying in joy at the inauguration of Democrat Obama and shunned by Republican friends -- others said they want to share the moment.

In Mission, Kansas, Lucky Brewgrille restaurant owner Greg Fuciu said he expected a packed house on inauguration day and planned to have several televisions showing the events.

"I think it is change we need," said Fuciu, who does not consider himself a Democrat but did vote for Obama. "The last eight years I don't think the Republican Party has led us in a great direction."

Newspapers are filled with reports of viewing parties at Starbucks shops, movie theaters, black churches, sports bars, schools and museums.

The official swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol will be followed by a parade to the White House and numerous inaugural balls -- amounting to hours of television coverage.

"TIME TO CELEBRATE"

Barbara Ikerd is helping organize an inauguration party at a civic center in downtown Kansas City, where at least 1,000 people were expected to turn out on Tuesday.

"We worked hard during the campaign and now it is time to celebrate," said 57-year-old Ikerd. Ikerd, who was laid off from General Motors, said she has high hopes the Obama can repair the economy.

"I'm unemployed, I have family that have been laid off, jobs are just disappearing," she said. "So I'm in tune to that message of hope."

In Texas, Sharon Johnson is organizing a bus trip from Houston to Washington so 55 people can join the crowds in the nation's capital for the inauguration. Johnson, 52, said the event had special resonance for her because she is the great-granddaughter of a slave.

"He still managed to send all of his grandchildren to college. So for us we had to get an education and vote," she told Reuters by phone, her voice cracking with emotion. She expects the bus trip to take about 26 hours.

Others will watch the events in private.