Posted on 01/16/2009 6:32:15 AM PST by KeyLargo
Lack of interest cancels local inaugural party
January 16, 2009
By Maura Possley, Staff Writer
An Alsip inaugural ball set to commemorate the historic swearing-in of President-elect Barack Obama Tuesday was cancelled this week due to lack of interest.
Not enough tickets were sold to the Chicago Obama Ball, what could have been the Southland's one shot at an official gala that day.
Orland Park attorney Tom Paris was moved to organize the effort after attending Obama's November election night party in Chicago's Grant Park.
The party was to have been held at the Condesa del Mar, 12220 Cicero Ave., and feature Obama's address, live music, food and an open bar.
Paris, disappointed the party didn't materialize, plans to try again in four years, when he hopes Obama will win re-election to a second term.
The attorney's hope, now, is that Southlanders uphold what he attempted to do - celebrate Tuesday to mark the history being made and not let it pass them by, he said Thursday.
"Do something," Paris said. "It's just not a day to sit home and watch the talking heads."
Maura Possley can be reached at mpossley@southtownstar.com or (708) 633-5993.
snicker
What if they gave a Messiah party and nobody came?
I canceled the inaugural ball at my home yesterday. Neither my wife nor I decided to attend so no sense in holding it. Especially since we had no intention of sending out invitations...
Organized by an attorney, no less.
Gee, what will Mr. Paris do now with the cardboard cut-out of the Messiah? LOL!
Orland Park lawyer organizes local inauguration bash
(http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1365039,010709chicagoball.article)
January 7, 2009
By Maura Possley, Staff Writer
Like many people in the Grant Park crowd that November night, attorney Tom Paris was energized.
So much so, in fact, that he hatched a plan to host an inaugural ball in the Southland to celebrate Barack Obama taking office, knowing a ticket to capital city was out of his reach.
Paris invested thousands of dollars and hours to bring Obama’s inaugural celebration to Alsip.
“It’s been said before, and I think it’s true - it’s a historic day for this country,” the Orland Park resident said. “I just could not get it out of my head to do it.”
His Chicago Obama Ball kicks off inauguration night, Jan. 20, at 5:30 p.m., featuring cocktails, dinner, dancing and projection of Obama’s speech at the Condesa del Mar, 12220 Cicero Ave., Alsip.
There is no dress code, and a life-size cutout of the nation’s first Chicago president will be available for photo opportunities.
Tickets run from $130 to $90, depending on your preferred seat for the event. Band Maggie Speaks will play for the crowd that Paris hopes will reach to more than 1,000.
“I have no idea if I’m going to lose my shirt,” he said of his departure from practicing personal injury and commercial litigation law to planning an inaugural ball. “I’ve had too much fun with it to turn back now.”
Through a friend of a friend, Paris was connected to the Cook County Democratic Party and able to send an e-mail about the bash to its list of 600,000 recipients. Paris said about 800 to 1,000 people in attendance would help him break even on the money he’s paid for the gala.
Clearly, the new administration is a cause he believes in deeply.
“He’s a unique politician at a unique time for our country and for the world, quite frankly,” Paris said of Obama. “I don’t think there’s anybody out there with a greater ability to change the world for good.”
Maura Possley can be reached at mpossley@southtownstar.com or at (708) 633-5993.
Want tickets?
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.obamachicagoball.com.
Perhaps they should all hop on a flight to Washington and join the festivities - there are still 16,000 hotel rooms available.
I guess the four million spectators are all going to sleep in the port-a-potties...LOL
“Paris invested thousands of dollars and hours to bring Obama’s inaugural celebration to Alsip.”
Hah! At least he’s helping the local economy. I wonder if he’s going to sue anybody now for not attending his ball? He could have just went to D.C. a lot cheaper.
In honor of the Inaugaration, we should all send brass balls to the GOPers on Capital Hill. That’s my version of an inaugural ball this time around.
What’s historic about this election? After all, it’s been done at least 43 times prior to this. /s
Sheesh!
election = inauguration.
Haven’t had a cup of coffee yet this morning.
Paris said,”Do something, dont just sit around and watch the talking heads.........
How about gettin off your dead a$$es go to the corner and wait for the your first Bomba freebee, the cheese truck!
There's your reason right there.
No one in their right mind would be at 122nd and Cicero at night.
L
If you want the RAT base to come out, it has to be a freebie (or VERRRY CHEAP)!
They’re dead, Jim.
This pathetic oaf is singing to the wrong audience. Obamanoids don't want to do anything--even live their own lives. They want the Messiah to do it all for them. They not only intend to sit home and watch talking heads, they consider it heaven. Dumb shit doesn't know his own peeps very well.
“Do something”. The only thing I can do that will lift my spirits that sad day, is to visit my favorite outdoor enthusiast store and buy until I smile. I will vote with my dollars and support the 2nd Amendment while we still have one.
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