The three days will be packed with a variety of high-priced ticketed luncheons and public events, including a Hispanic Presidential Inaugural Gala and a youth concert starring performers like Destiny's Child, 98 Degrees and Jessica Simpson.

The goal, says Inaugural Committee spokesperson Michelle M. Stember, is to promote an image of unity and inclusiveness.

But the weekend will probably also feature protests, which are expected to be much larger than in previous years, especially in light of Bush's nomination of staunchly conservative former Missouri Sen. John Ashcroft as attorney general.

Edward B. Childs, an Adams House cook and official in the Dining Hall Workers Union Local 26, says at least five Harvard dining hall workers will go to the inauguration to protest.

"People all have different reasons for going, but we're all united," Childs says. "Our union is made up mostly of immigrants. Bush's attacks against immigrants are taken very seriously.

"A lot of issues are bringing people together as one."

Although they will not be coordinating a Harvard protest group--also because of finals--the Progressive Student Labor Movement circulated an e-mail message with travel information and details on anti-Bush events.

Stember says that the committee is not concerned about disruption, though.