Out of the cold—and into the fun

SLIDESHOW: Inaugural balls

WASHINGTON -- After a quick wardrobe change, Diane Smith went from freezing to fabulous.

The Arlington County Democrat traded her ski jacket and swearing-in ticket yesterday morning for a floor-length dress and the Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball last night. She was among the 7,000 people expected to turn out at the ball organized for a group of states from New York to Virginia.

Guests paid $150 each to attend the event, one of the 10 official Presidential Inaugural Committee balls.

Men in tuxedos and women in gowns drank from a cash bar and munched on a buffet for hours as they waited for the arrival of President Barack Obama, who was expected sometime after midnight for a dance and a few words.

Virginia Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, D-3rd, said the inaugural festivities have been tempered by thoughts of the work ahead. "During all the fun, you know tomorrow morning we have to go back to work, and it's going to be tough because things have gotten so bad."

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine came to the ball and Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. was expected to make an appearance. Kaine said yesterday was an amazing day with waves of emotion. "I'll never forget it as long as I live."

The ball's early crowd gathered in front of the stage at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where Wyclef Jean went on just after 8 p.m. The Dead was set to play later.

Smith has lived in Arlington for 40 years, and last night's inaugural ball was the first she's attended. An Obama supporter since Kaine endorsed the Illinois senator early in the campaign, Smith helped organize the first major event for Obama in Northern Virginia.

Kaine talked to Smith at that time about the man he hoped would become the next president. "Tim was right," Smith said. "We are thrilled."

Contact Olympia Meola at (804) 649-6812 or .