Detroit Mayor Dave Bing will serve as master of ceremonies during the inauguration of Republican Gov.-elect Rick Snyder on Jan. 1.

Bing is a Democrat, making Thursday's announcement a show of bipartisanship.

Nonpartisan Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell will lead the invocation and closing prayer at the ceremony scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. on New Year's Day outside the state Capitol.

The inauguration ceremony is open to the public and is free of charge.

Snyder is scheduled to have a receiving line inside the Capitol after the ceremony.

An inaugural celebration at Michigan State University's Wharton Center is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Jan. 1. A $125 ticket is required.

The inaugural events will be paid for through private donations and ticket sales.