Inauguration Night

By Christiana Dillard

When we arrived at the regional inaugural ball in Randallstown, Maryland, there were tables and tables of people of all ages in formal gowns and tuxedos.  We were seated at a table called Harvard University, although we were suppose to be at another table called Columbia University.  These tables were named after the two universities that Barack Obama attended.  Every table in the room was named after some significant location or place in the new President's life.

The program consisted of a warm welcome by the hostess, a prayer by a local minister to bless the food, and jazz music by a local band. After dinner, there was a saxophone tribute to President Obama by a woman from Indiana and an inspirational message by a city official.  The attendees were asked to sing all three verses of "Lift Every Voice and Sing." We ended with a champagne toast (apple cider for all the kids).

After the program, we danced the Electric Slide and Cupid Shuffle.  Many of the attendees even had the opportunity to take a picture with the President himself---as a cardboard cutout.  Although some of the Balls in Washington, D.C., were visited by President Obama, we had a special appearance by Michael Jackson.  Well, his name was Rico Michael Jackson and he danced and lipsynched to several Jackson hits.  He put on the white glove, added the red jacket and received the same kind of screams from the crowd as if he were he real Jackson.  I had the chance to ask him a few questions about his career after his performance.  He told me he had been impersonating Michael Jackson for 20 years. 

After a few more dances and dessert, my family and I headed back to Baltimore for a well deserved nights sleep.  What a wonderful day in history---Tuesday, January 20, 2009!!

Comments

[ciara]

cool pic