Boots, Black Ties and Hilary Duff

By Jeninne Lee-St. John; Melissa August

Some find it unseemly that this week's wartime inauguration will cost more than $40 million, a record. The grumblers include the District of Columbia, which has been asked to pick up a $17.3 million tab for police, construction and emergency services. Still, a party's a party, and Washington is good at dropping its partisan gripes (and wartime sobriety) to celebrate. A preview: --By Jeninne Lee-St. John and Melissa August

FOOTING THE BILL Tax dollars pay only for the swearing-in (about $3 million). Luckily, more than 100 corporations, lobbying groups and individuals have given $100,000 to $250,000 apiece to help pay the bills. For the cash, they get tickets to all the events--and, of course, access to some very powerful politicians. No wonder oil, telecom and banking companies are among the big donors

INAUGURATION, INC. What's a big event without the product tie-ins? Korbel has created a special Inaugural champagne, left; Washington's Ritz Carlton Hotel is serving presidential-seal desserts; drivers can purchase one of two commemorative license plates, though neither is valid in any state

THE VOCAL OPPOSITION Two groups will have prime real estate on the parade route. One, antiwar A.N.S.W.E.R., has a permit for bleachers on Pennsylvania Avenue. Turn Your Back on Bush will scatter throughout the crowd and face away from the motorcade in unison, but their picket signs have to stay at home: poles and puppets are banned

PARTY ON The First Couple will hit three dinners, the Texas State Society's Black Tie & Boots Ball and all nine official balls, including one for active-duty military. Jenna and Barbara Bush will headline a concert for the younger set. Among the many unofficial luncheons and parties: the facetious Billionaires for Bush Ball

STAR POWER Celebrities on tap for Inaugural events include Hilary Duff, left, Ruben Studdard, Gary Sinise, Buzz Aldrin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. A more eclectic array, including Macy Gray, Dennis Hopper, Lyle Lovett and Andrew W.K., will be at the various unofficial parties