Before making his way to the stage to greet his 15,000 guests at the Washington Convention Center, District Mayor Adrian Fenty established a goal: “We’re going to try to set a world record for the number of hands shaked in one night.”
Fenty and his wife, Michelle, thanked the voters for the mayor’s unprecedented landslide victory with an inaugural ball on Saturday night, the likes of which haven’t been seen since Marion Barry’s early terms as mayor. The citizens who voted the 36-year-old Fenty into office were excited and hopeful — and ready to party.
Recommended Stories
“There’s nothing we’re going to be able to do in the next four years to replicate the energy in this room,” the mayor said.
The $600,000 black tie-optional gig capped a busy week for the new chief executive, which included dual swearing-in ceremonies and the announcement of his education and public safety plans.
But the ball was not a night for work or speeches, Fenty told the audience; it was a bash. And after the obligatory introductions of his fellow elected officials, Fenty got down to business, dancing and pumping his fists to “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.” Council Chair Vincent Gray, Council Members Barry and Carol Schwartz, and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton joined in the boogie.
“It’s good to see people so excited about our city and our mayor,” said Ward 2 Council Member Jack Evans.
The massive hall, about two city blocks long, featured dozens of bars and buffet tables. Two-foot tall piles of tortilla chips quickly dwindled, while guests emptied trays of cheese tortellini, farfelle pasta with shrimp, and grilled chicken penne. Entertainment included R&B singers Anthony Hamilton and Kenny Lattimore.
“I’m very impressed and happy about the entire event,” said Ann Thomas, Ms. Senior District of Columbia 2006. “I’m a great supporter of his. I likehis style of leadership so far, and I like what he stands for.”
Fenty raised more than $611,000 from private sources to finance the inaugural ball.
The evening was not without its problems. Virtually every chair in the hall was taken about 10 minutes after the doors opened. In many cases, seniors and the disabled were left to stand.
