Illinois Gets Official Float in Inaugural Parade

Illinois will be well represented during today's Inaugural Parade.

The procession that follows President Barack Obama down Pennsylvania Avenue after his swearing-in ceremony will feature more than 60 groups and eight official inaugural floats. One of those floats will recognize Illinois, as the birthplace of First Lady Michelle Obama.

The float will feature American flags, the state flag and a panorama of the state Capitol.

It will be one of the first floats in the parade and will be immediately followed by Chicago's South Shore Drill Team.

Hawaii, the state where President Obama was born, also will have an official float.

The parade is scheduled to begin about 1:30 p.m. More than 8,800 people and 200 animals are expected to participate.