ClintonInauguralBalls
A Review by A Disillusioned Party Girl, 1993

I attended my first inaugural ball when President Clinton was elected in 1992. It was January 20, 1993, and we went to Washington not knowing what to expect. However, I had made some assumptions. I assumed that "the" inaugural ball must be really something. Flowing formals, fabulous decorations, incredible entertainment, marvelous food!

Instead I found out that there wasn’t one inaugural ball, but 14—hosted by different states and different bodies (like the MTV Ball!). I also found out that decorations included carpet on a cement floor and a presidential seal hanging as a backdrop for the stage. At the Ohio Ball and the Arkansas Ball there was some bunting (you know, that red, white and blue cloth stuff that, well, bunts). There was little food if any and the bar was hard to find but not as hard as it was to find a seat. Some guests were dressed black tie, some were dressed down—way down. And many a woman was holding a drink in one hand and her shoes in the other since in order to accommodate everyone, most of the balls were held in huge convention centers that host car shows and the like.

Because Mr. Clinton is Arkansas bred, the entertainment at that ball was exceptional—especially when Mr. President stepped forward and played the sax. As well, the company we kept was just as exciting—I stood next to Sting, waved at Roger Clinton and Virginia Kelley (his brother and Mom) and saw a host of other celebrities like Henry Winkler, Donna Mills, Quincy Jones…so on and so forth.

Actually, I don’t remember whom we saw where to tell the truth. Washington was filled with celebrities those few days. Just standing in the lobby of the Mayflower Hotel was like standing outside a film awards ceremony—the tide of stars ebbed and flowed but was consistent and steady.

For the Party Girl, the balls themselves were a disappointment. I wanted it to be grand. So in 1997, I held my own.

And in 2001, you can do the same!

See our:

• Texas Black Tie & Boots Bash
• Stars and Stripes Inaugural Ball
• Listing of Bush Inaugural Balls and Galas/Washington D.C.
• Bid Farewell to President Clinton

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