From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Thu Jan 15 2009 - 08:30:40 EST
"-The impoverished country of Ethiopia is hosting a ball for foreign
diplomats at the James Madison Mansion. Tickets start at $350. By contrast,
the Jewish ball, sponsored by Ohev Sholom, will be at the national synagogue
and cost $50."
Embassy offers front-row seat
At inauguration time, everyone in Washington wants invite to Canada's
'unrivalled party space'
By Sheldon Alberts, Canwest News Service
January 15, 2009 3:02 AM
For a student of American politics and a career diplomat tasked with
promoting Canada on Capitol Hill, it was privilege enough for Colin
Robertson just to have a front row seat to history for George W. Bush's
second inauguration as president of the United States on Jan. 20, 2005.
That Senator John McCain -- past and future Republican presidential
candidate -- happened to sidle up alongside him to provide colour commentary
put a welcome exclamation mark on the event.
These things tend to happen at the Canadian Embassy on inauguration day.
With its unimpeded views of the U.S. Capitol and its location along the
inaugural parade route at 501 Pennsylvania Ave., the embassy has earned a
reputation as D.C.'s "unrivalled party space" for major national events.
Never mind that Canadian diplomats often have a hard time getting face time
with big-name lawmakers. When inauguration day rolls around, everyone who is
anyone suddenly becomes Canada's best friend.
"Everywhere you looked, there was political talent," Robertson, former head
of the embassy's Washington Secretariat, says of the inaugural party four
years ago.
"So from a working diplomat's perspective, it was just ideal because it was
like shooting fish in a barrel. Everybody you wanted was there."
This year, as the U.S. capital prepares for the largest inauguration in the
nation's history, an invite to the embassy has again become one of the
hottest tickets in town.
"The least of our challenges has been finding people who want to come," says
Susan Iris, U.S. vice-president of the Canadian Tourism Commission, which is
hosting one of two inaugural day bashes at the embassy.
"It's basically about location, location, location."
An estimated two million people -- and perhaps as many as four million --
are expected to crowd onto the National Mall to watch Obama being sworn in
as the 44th U.S. president just before noon on Tuesday.
Another 300,000 to 350,000 people will be forced to jockey for sidewalk
space along the 2.7-kilometre parade route that will usher Obama from
Capitol Hill to his new digs at the White House. The best seats for the
public? A mere 5,000 people snagged bleacher-seat tickets at $25 each. Those
tickets sold out within a minute of going on sale last Friday, and many are
now being offered at $300 apiece online by would-be entrepreneurs seeking to
cash in on inauguration demand.
-while the huddled masses will be trying to stave off the January cold,
Canadian Embassy partygoers will be watching with the benefit of creature
comforts unavailable to the less fortunate. Like restrooms, for starters.
About 1,000 invitees to Canada's inaugural parade "tailgate party" -- which
is being held in the embassy's elevated courtyard -- will also be offered an
array of Canadian beer, Crown Royal whisky cocktails and Alberta-made pork
sausages served hot from the grill.
An added bonus for those with a sweet tooth -- the menu includes
BeaverTails, the deep-fried pastry familiar to patrons of Ottawa's Rideau
Canal in winter.
As Obama's motorcade passes the embassy en route to the White House, the new
president will be saluted by seven Mounties in red serge. He might also
catch a glimpse of the Grey Cup, which is being flown in and put on display
for the occasion.
"It's always nice to have the opportunity to showcase how great Canada is,"
says Iris.
INAUGURAL BALLS
There are dozens of inaugural balls in Washington: 10 are sanctioned by the
official inauguration organizing committee and might receive a visit from
the new president.
- The Hip-Hop Caucus, a charitable organization that seeks to mobilize young
people about politics, has five inaugural events scheduled, including a
concert staring Mary J. Blige and called Dreams of my Father for black
scholars.
- The Every Child Matters Education Fund is hosting a Sunday afternoon ball
for kids, including magicians and a performer named Mr. Skip.
- The impoverished country of Ethiopia is hosting a ball for foreign
diplomats at the James Madison Mansion. Tickets start at $350. By contrast,
the Jewish ball, sponsored by Ohev Sholom, will be at the national synagogue
and cost $50.
- The People's Inaugural Gayla is sponsored by the lesbian and gay
community. Another ball hosted by the Human Rights Campaign features Melissa
Etheridge.
- The Arab American Institute will hold a ball at the Fairmont Hotel that
will include a buffet and comedians.
- Babyboomer Professionals call their event "a dream and a change" ball.
Tickets are $199.
- Blogger Arianna Huffington hosts the HuffPo Ball at the Newseum.
Invitation only.
- The American Music Inaugural Ball is hosting two balls for two different
audiences. The Urban Ball will be hosted by rapper Ludacris. The Ball of
Legends headlines the mellower Dionne Warwick.
- The Peace Ball headlines writer Alice Walker and is hosted by singer Harry
Belafonte.
- The Ivy Ball, sponsored by Alpha Kappa and Alpha Sorority, promises a
champagne toast and commemorative gift.
- Young and Powerful for Obama promises an open bar at their party. Tickets
$100.
- MTV and ServiceNation will televise the Be the Change ball on the music
network.
- Soccer Moms are hosting a modest affair at the Chevy Chase Women's Club.
Tickets $60.