Raleigh, N.C. — Inauguration festivities for Governor-elect Beverly Perdue began Thursday night with a reception honoring the new Council of State and a concert geared toward young voters

Held at the Marriott City Center Ballroom, reception honored the new Council of State and Lt. Governor-elect Walter Dalton. The $125 per person fundraiser was sponsored by the Junior League of Raleigh, which used this event and the Rock the Ball concert to raise money for charity.

The Rock the Ball concert, held Thursday night at the Lincoln Theater, celebrated the youth vote, which played a role in the recent election.

“We have a choice to be able to vote and with that choice we should definitely do it because we make a difference,” said Amanda Rossi, a young voter who attended the event.

Youth voting numbers increased in 2008, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement.

“It’s real important that young people understand how important it is to have this privilege - to be able to vote in this country,” Junior League President Virginia Yopp said.

Inaugural events continue Friday when Perdue and other state leaders attend a morning prayer service at First Baptist Church, on Salisbury Street. Seven North Carolina religious leaders will deliver messages asking officials to exercise leadership, courage and wisdom.

A reception for Perdue will be held Friday evening at the Raleigh Convention Center before she and the Council of State members are formally introduced at an 8 p.m. reception that features music from jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis and others.

The inaugural ball will cap off the evening at the convention center.

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarah Parker will deliver the oath of office to Perdue in a 10:30 a.m. Saturday ceremony on the steps of the Division of Archives and History building on East Jones Street.

The inaugural parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the corner of Fayetteville and Davie streets downtown.

The festivities conclude Saturday afternoon with an open house at the Governor's Mansion, where Perdue can greet some of her constituents.