The hot inauguration parties are not all in Washington, D.C. Large numbers are expected to turn out for two events on Tuesday in the Mon Valley to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama.
The first event will be held at the Palisades, 501 Water St. in McKeesport, and is sponsored by Mon Valley for Obama.
The community group is dedicated to raising awareness in Western Pennsylvania on the need for change in government. The group organized more than 500 volunteers to knock on doors, make phone calls and register voters for Mr. Obama.
Organizers of the inaugural event are three of the group's founders, F. Fawn Walker, Al Washington and Jaala Nesbit.
"We could have gone to D.C. for the inauguration," Mr. Washington said, "but we chose to stay here and celebrate and bring something to the community." The purpose of the event, he said, is to celebrate months of hard work.
This event starts with family-friendly activities like hayrides, face painting and computer games 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Guests will also be invited to record a 15-second message to the new president. The video containing the messages will be posted on YouTube, Mr. Washington said. A letter-writing table will also be set up where guests can write letters to the new first family.
The main event will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and will open with a blessing and a singing of the National Anthem. After speeches,
there will be dinner and dancing.
Tickets were $10 and all -- more than 400 -- have been purchased. Proceeds will cover the expenses of the event.
The second event to be held Tuesday is a Mon Valley Inaugural Ball, to be held from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Youghiogheny Country Club, 1901 Greenock-Buena Vista Rd., in Elizabeth.
The theme for the ball is "We've come this far by faith" and the attire is black-tie preferred.
Dinner and live music is planned.
Tickets cost $100 and proceeds will benefit five regional charities including the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, UPMC Cancer Research Fund and various scholarship funds
Tickets are still available from Norine or Roy Jenkins, 412-673-1830.
First Published: January 16, 2009, 7:30 p.m.
