As millions of Americans flock to the nation’s capital for Tuesday’s inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, Cal Poly students and San Luis Obispo residents who could not secure a much-coveted invitation still have options to celebrate the festivities with fellow students and members of the community.
On the Cal Poly campus, Associated Students Inc., University Housing and the Multicultural Center will host a live broadcast of the inauguration in room 220 of the University Union starting at 7:30 a.m. (See the Facebook page here).
The live television broadcast will be projected onto a large screen and free food, coffee and juice will be provided throughout the day, according to ASI Marketing Coordinator Michelle Broom. The room will be decked out in true American fashion with red, white and blue balloons and streamers to add to the celebratory atmosphere.
“This election year was so significant in so many ways,” Broom said. “For those who were following it, this is a good culmination of what that democratic process looks like. This is what it’s all about.”
Tuesday’s all-day event is free for students, faculty, staff and interested members of the community who are encouraged to attend.
Across town, another celebration will be kicking off early Tuesday evening at the Graduate restaurant and nightclub.
The Central Coast Inaugural Ball is sponsored by SLO Grassroots Democracy (SLOGD), an independent, bipartisan organization which seeks to bring together members of the community in support of positive political action. According to SLOGD Chair Marilyn Armstrong, the group planned and organized the event because they felt it was a historic evening to be celebrated by Americans, not just political parties.
“For too long we have been debating politics and finding ourselves in grid-lock,” Armstrong said Sunday. “Our community should attend the Inaugural Ball event to celebrate not only a new president-elect, but to celebrate America and the power of its people.”
“The future of our country will depend on the inspiration of all Americans, and perhaps college students most of all, who will envision a shift from an industrial growth society to a life-sustaining civilization,” she said.
According to Bob Kuntz, general manager of the Graduate, a crowd of over 500 people is expected to attend. The Ball will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include a live broadcast of the inauguration, free appetizers and desserts, raffle prizes and a live D.J. providing an open format of lively music.
Though tickets for the event sold out early Friday, interested participants are encouraged to inquire at the door beginning at 7:30 p.m. for the second half of the event, when the kitchen closes and the dance floor opens.
Attendees are also encouraged to dress up in formal or historic attire to add to the festive and historic atmosphere. For more information, visit the SLOGD website at http://www.slograssrootsdemocracy.org.