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The Presidential Inauguration is one of the most important moments in American society, and the Inaugural Balls are among the most important events in Washington Society. Each year, tickets are available for the public to attend the balls ? which have grown in number to over 30 in 2005.
The tradition of the Inaugural Ball began when Dolley Madison threw a gala at Long?s Hotel after her husband, President Madison, was sworn in at the Capitol in Washington, DC, in 1809. Four hundred tickets were sold to the general public for $4 each, and citizens were able to celebrate the new chapter of America with their leader.
As the years went on, the number of balls increased with each inauguration ? President Jackson had two, President Harrison attended three. Inauguration night soon became one of the most anticipated events in Washington. Organizers struggled to find a building that could accommodate a large number of guests ? by 1857, one grand ball was thrown in a temporary wooden building in Judiciary Square that accommodated thousands of guests.
While most of the Inaugural balls were successful, some posed a problem ? when President Grant hosted his second ball in 1877, weather was freezing cold and the temporary structure was not heated ? the food was cold, guests danced in their overcoats, and decorations froze. After that, the ball was held in a number of government buildings, including the National Museum Building and the Pension Building.
President Wilson changed the tradition of the ball, cancelling it due to the expense. President Harding requested the same, but the Chairman of the Inaugural Ball Committee threw the party at his home, which became a trend through President Roosevelt.
President Truman brought back the notion of a formal ball in 1949. Over more recent years, the demands for tickets have increased and thus multiple balls are now thrown. President Kennedy attended five balls ? by the time President Clinton was sworn in, there were 14 balls planned.
The number of parties has continued to grow in the past decade. President Bush had nine official balls in 2005 and over 20 unofficial balls were thrown in his honor.
The biggest ticket of the evening in 2005 was the Texas State Society Black Tie & Boots Ball. The ball was held at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel. True to the President?s Texan roots, cowboy hats were optional but required wear was tuxedos and boots for the men. A number of renowned acts performed for the occasion, including ZZ Top, Lyle Lovett, Yolanda Adams and Neil McCoy.
The ball was put on by Ward & Ames, a company that has thrown the event since 1989. The massive event included 2,500 pounds of beef, 20,000 enchiladas, 1,500 pounds of chicken tenders and 48,000 bottles of beer, among other refreshments. The ball encompassed three floors, including seven ballrooms, three outdoor tents and three exhibit halls.
The party included a number of personal touches, including 960 yellow roses with the Texas State Society emblem on a petal.
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