Floridians Celebrate Inaugural at Florida Ball

On the eve of Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th president of the United States, a crowd of hundreds of Floridians gathered in a Washington, D.C. art gallery to celebrate their home state and that nation's new leader.

Many in attendance expressed the hopeful attitude that seems to have taken over Washington and the country throughout the inaugural festivities.

{sidebar id=1}"There's an energy and a spirit in the air," said Modesto E. Abety, President and CEO of The Children's Trust organization in Miami.

Former state representative and current state Senate candidate Loranne Ausley of Tallahassee said it was difficult to put her feelings about the inauguration of the nation's first African-American president into words, but that the atmosphere of excitement around the city and the ball was extraordinary.

"People of all backgrounds are happy and greeting each other in the streets," Ausley said.

The Florida Inaugural Ball was held at the Corcoran Gallery of Art just around the corner from what will on Tuesday become President Obama's new residence – The White House. Entitled "Sunshine and Stars," the ball was hosted by the Florida State Society and Florida House, and played host to an expected crowd of over 700. The guests were welcomed to the soirée with food, live entertainment, dancing and the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the state's most powerful politicos, including members of Florida's congressional delegation.

The glitzy party-goers were in formal black-tie tuxedos and elaborate ball gowns. Many danced to live music performed by the band Big Ray and the Kool Kats, while others dined on hors d'oeuvres and schmoozed with the state's political elite.

Even with Obamamania coming to a fever pitch as he is sworn in Tuesday at noon on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, some worry was expressed that the bar is set too high for the incoming Commander-in-Chief.

"I think that expectations are so high, people are so hopeful, I'm concerned about the burden that may create," said Abety. He added that his hopes for the Obama administration include an "energy policy that is clean and an economy that is strong," along with greater funding for early childhood education.

The ball served as a fundraiser for the two host organizations, with tickets costing between $150 and $500 dollars.

- Submitted by Mike Deehan, The News Service of Florida

This article originally published on January 20, 2009.

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