February 1, 2001

California Ball Kicks Off the "W" Legacy
by Carl S. Ey

Bigger than the Empire State Building, a nine-foot high chunk of the Berlin Wall and a unique, prominently displayed, 30-foot wide neon and glass sculpture are just a few of the characteristics that describe the newest of the federal buildings in Washington D.C. Dedicated in 1998 by Mrs. Nancy Reagan and President Clinton, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, in just over two years, has matured into a "D.C. Darling" for hosting some of the most significant events in modern history. The building made its latest mark into the annals of time, by hosting President George W. Bush at his first Inaugural Ball on January 20, 2001.

"It was an honor that he would come to this building first," said John McCormick, vice president of operations at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. "It set the mood for the entire city for the rest of the night; a great, great event."

After an abbreviated planning period, only 31 days, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) put together an Inaugural week that began with Opening Ceremonies on January 18th, and ended with a prayer service at the National Cathedral on January 21st. Considering the short timeline to plan all of the events associated with the 54th Presidential Inaugural, the PIC wanted to welcome the 43rd President in grand fashion at his first public event after the Inaugural Parade.

The architecture of the building lends itself to making any event spectacular, said Martin L. Paine, lead site director for the Ronald Reagan Building Ball. "The thing that impresses me most was how the vendors, the folks at the building and their staff went out of their way to make sure that this was the best ball in the 2001 Inauguration."

The PIC selected Paine as the lead site director in order to utilize his significant experience in the political arena. With the help of Paine's ten-member team, over 250 volunteers and a superb effort by the building's staff of more than 300, the ball kicked off the Inaugural evening with class and dignity.

"I think it ranks among the most prominent events that we have had here," said Giles Beeker, vice president of marketing at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. "It was all the things that an elegant event should be."

Beeker has been with the building located in the District's Federal Triangle for many of its significant events such as the building dedication, the NATO 50th Anniversary Summit, the National Summit on Africa and "Time Magazine and the Presidency" with Henry Kissinger.

"Having the President here is something that we have done a number of times," said Beeker "but, being an Inaugural Ball, it had the air of reopening the building again. It felt like we were kicking off our first event."

The Inaugural event began for the 4000 ticket holders with a U.S. Navy Color Guard presenting the National Colors at 7 p.m. Marie Osmond and Meatloaf took over as hosts for the ball shortly after the National Anthem as guests danced to the music of the Dennis Samsa Orchestra and Kaleidoscope. Upon his arrival, President Bush was honored with ceremonial music and listened to "Hail to the Chief" from the U. S. Navy Ceremonial Band for the first time as President of the United States.

Transforming the main Atrium and its two adjoining halls into a spectacular ballroom befitting the Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful country in the world was a significant task. The PIC contracted Hargrove Inc. to design a platform that incorporated the Atrium's massive polished granite staircase into a regal setting with royal blue drapery, Roman columns and the Inaugural crest as the focal point of the stage. The Presidential stage coupled with the lighting effects that lit up the ceiling with white stars on a midnight sky background ushered in our new President and the First Lady as they climbed the stairs and danced to "Waltz Across Texas." Vice President and Mrs. Cheney enjoyed the same fanfare when they were welcomed later that evening.

"The transformation of the building was spectacular in the way it was done," said McCormick. "It was exciting, made you proud and it had a lot of fun in it."

The ball ended early in the morning of January 21st. In five exciting, fun-filled hours, President Bush, Vice President Cheney and their spouses had completed "celebrating America's spirit together" as they transitioned into the new and promising administration.

"It was phenomenal, the way everyone worked together regardless of their political affiliation for such a historic event in America's history," said Brenda Dismond, manager of special events and catering at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

The Ronald Reagan Building Ball also known as the "California Ball" was dedicated to Arizona, California, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee and Utah.

© 2001 Carl S. Ey

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