Projo Politics Blog

WASHINGTON -- For those Rhode Islanders with enough luck (or pull) to be invited, Union Station is the place to be two weeks from tonight.

President Obama, newly sworn in, will greet the Ocean State contingent -- plus a few thousand of their best friends from Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the rest of the New England states -- at the Eastern Inaugural Ball, one of 10 galas to be held around Washington on Jan. 20.

The Eastern Ball may not carry quite the cachet of the separate bashes at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center downtown, for visitors from the states that are home to Obama (Illinois and Hawaii) and to Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Delaware and Pennsylvania). The same building will house the Midwestern, Mid-Alantic, and Western Balls, plus another special gala -- the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, mainly for residents of the District of Columbia.

But Union Hall is a lot more fun to look at than the much newer convention hall. In fact, the historic railway terminal -- designed with elements of the Neo-Classical and Beaux Arts styles, opened in 1909 and twice renovated in recent decades -- is a terrific place to hold a political time. It commands a dramatic view of the gleaming Capitol dome and features three grand Roman arches, flanked by ornate columns, at the entry. On inauguration nights, the facade is typically lit by huge spotlights as the guests come and go in their formal attire. Inside the main hall, a curved ceiling soars almost 100 feet above the floor. Partway up, giant scultped figures guard the perimeter, bearing shields and swords.

Another handsome old pile, the post-Civil War-vintage National Building Museum, will house the Commander-in-Chief's Ball for members of the armed forces. No less honored, certainly, but a bit further from the rest of the action will be the Southern Inaugural Ball at Washington's National Guard Armory.

Ticket prices for the regional galas? A very reasonable $150. Youth ball tickets will go for $75.

"This is America's inaugural celebration in every way," Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau said in a news release. "Young people are more engaged in this country's future than ever before and we want to harness that excitement by inviting them to participate in this historic occasion. In that same vein, we are hosting events to bring people from all walks of life and from across the country - from the president-elect and vice president-elect's home states, as well as every corner of the nation - to celebrate this country's unity moving forward."

No word on the selection process for those invited, but newly inaugurated presidents traditionally make sure that elected officials and active supporters get the call.

 

 Tags  biden obama rhode island inaugural

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