Preparing for President Obama's second inauguration ceremony - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(01/10/13) - Congress isn't in session this week, but many others on Capitol Hill are working non-stop - preparing for President Obama's second inauguration ceremony.

"It's a big day, a big production, and everything has to go off exactly right," said Matt House, Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

House and the team at the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies are there to ensure that happens.

For nearly a year, the committee - chaired by New York Senator Chuck Schumer - has been planning everything from the president's arrival at the Capitol to the swearing-in, to lunch.

"It's a lot of working together. It's a big ceremony for the President. It's his day. But it takes place on Capitol Hill, so the House and Senate like to have its say in these things," House said.

The president got what he wanted.

"Beyonce will perform, Kelly Clarkson, there will be a poem read," House said.

And Senator Schumer made sure his state was well-represented, too.

"Wine from the Finger Lakes, a wine from Long Island, cheese from the Southern Tier in Cooperstown," House said.

Since September, workers have been constructing a stage on the West Front of the Capitol Building where the president will take the oath of office and deliver his speech. It will hold 1,600 people - including lawmakers and dignitaries.

Before the president departs the Capitol for the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the White House, he'll review the troops.

"It's going to look similar to ceremonies you've seen in the past, but each one is unique in terms of who speaks and who performs. So we think it's going to be a smooth day and great day to celebrate American democracy," House said.

Organizers aren't sure just how many people will come out to watch the Inauguration on the National Mall. Four years ago, a record 1.8 million showed up. Visitors can get a glimpse of the ceremonies with a lot fewer people around during a dress rehearsal this Sunday.

This year's inauguration theme is "Faith in America's Future."