Prune Juice Media

Obama To Hold Fewest Inaugural Balls In 60 Years

Posted on 21. Dec, 2012 by Stevie in Politics / Current Events

(Photo by the Associated Press)

Party-goers, supporters of President Obama, and the political elite that are making the trek to Washington, D.C. in January for the presidential inauguration need to remember one key detail before their arrival.

Chances of making it into one of the official Inaugural balls have been cut significantly. The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced this week that it will be hosting only two balls next month to celebrate President Obama’s re-election. They cite the flagging economy as the primary reason for scaling back.

One of the balls to be held is the Commander-In-Chief’s Ball for military personnel, veterans, wounded warriors, etc. The other one is a larger affair — called Inaugural Ball — that will be for the public and invited guests. Both events will be at the Washington Convention Center in the District.

In addition to the actual costs of the balls (food, drinks, decorations, etc.), the cuts will save a lot of security and police costs. Think of the protection the president has to have combined with closing off streets, managing people, and crowd controls. Efforts to manage that will save hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more.

In 2009, 10 balls were held in President Obama’s honor. So, to axe eight of those off the list is a pretty major drop.

If you’re like me and going to Inauguration, plan for the outdoor public swearing-in ceremony on Monday, January 21. Don’t be so quick, however, to iron your formal wear for an official ball though since there won’t be many to “choose” from. Lol…

For a full list of official Inauguration-related events, click here.

Tags: Barack Obama, Commander-In-Chief's Ball, Inaugural Ball, Inauguration, military, National Mall, president, Presidential Inaugural Committee, Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C.