Inaugural festivities have New York flavor

The 2013 Inauguration Day festivities will have a decidedly New York feel, from Long Island wines to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, has spent the past six months organizing the inauguration ceremonies and a luncheon afterward.

The events, he said, will highlight some of the Empire State's food, drink and entertainment.

The luncheon in the Capitol, which is to be attended by 200 guests, includes a 2009 merlot from the North Fork's Bedell Cellars, which will be served with the second course. Other New York menu items include a dry riesling from the Finger Lakes region, cheese from Cooperstown, maple syrup from Dutchess County, apples from the Hudson Valley and honey from Rochester.

"New York has great food, wine and agriculture, and this is a great way to highlight it," Schumer said.

He will offer welcoming remarks at the inauguration and has selected an oil painting of Niagara Falls that will be prominently displayed during the luncheon.

Among those performing at the inauguration are the chorus from PS 22 in Staten Island, which will sing as visitors find their seats. Later, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir will sing the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" before Vice President Joe Biden takes the oath of office.

Schumer said the theme for the event will be "faith in America's future" and will focus on the country's resiliency in the face of adversity.