Maine politicians and other guests will celebrate the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama at a Washington, D.C., luncheon Jan. 19 – the day before the Illinois Democrat is sworn in as the nation's 44th president.

Augusta-based law firm Preti Flaherty Beliveau & Pachios is organizing the event, which will be at the New Zealand Embassy.

Law partner Severin Beliveau said he began planning the party about a month ago.

He said he expects 250 to 300 people.

"We know there will be hundreds of people from Maine (at the inauguration)," he said.

Among the invited guests are Gov. John Baldacci, the state's congressional delegation and former Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell.

Beliveau said he made connections with New Zealand officials a few years ago while on a family vacation. When it came time to find a place to host the party, New Zealand's ambassador to the United States, Roy Ferguson, offered the embassy.

The menu for the two-hour, business-attire event will include lobster, blueberries and New Zealand wine, Beliveau said.

Beliveau's son, Emmett, a Colby College graduate, is leading the presidential inaugural committee that's organizing many of the events.

Obama will take the oath of office Jan. 20 in front of an anticipated crowd of millions.