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ANNOUNCING THE FREE REPUBLIC W2 INAUGURAL BALL, FEATURING GOV HUCKABEE AND CAPITOL OFFENSE
Free Republic W2 Inaugural Ball ^

Posted on 12/01/2004 1:46:39 PM PST by Jim Robinson

Edited on 01/18/2005 11:18:17 AM PST by Jim Robinson. [history]

Click here to order your tickets!

Click for Ball Admission Form

ANNOUNCING
THE FREE REPUBLIC W2 INAUGURAL BALL
FEATURING
GOV. HUCKABEE AND CAPITOL OFFENSE

Free Republic’s 2001 Inaugural Ball and Count the White House Silverware Party was such a rousing success that 61 million Americans demanded we do it again in 2005. So, we are!

The Free Republic W2 Inaugural Ball, featuring Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and his rock and roll band, Capitol Offense, will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2005 in Washington, D.C.

The Ball, which will celebrate the reelection of President Bush and Vice President Cheney, as well as honor our men and women serving in the Armed Forces, will be held at the Washington Plaza Hotel from 7 p.m. to Midnight.

Admission to the Free Republic W2 Inaugural Ball is currently $175 per person for those purchasing advance reservations by December 31st and will be $200 per person thereafter, and $250 at the door if not sold out beforehand. A limited number of restricted children’s admissions are available for $30 for those children under 13 years old. Please note that paid admissions are nonrefundable.

Attire for the Ball is black tie optional.

We are very honored that Governor Huckabee and Capitol Offense accepted our invitation to play a return engagement at our Ball. Everyone was so thrilled by their performance at the 2001 Ball that asking the band to play at this Ball was our first priority on November 3rd.

click for full size photo
Governor Mike Huckabee (left) and the Capitol Offense Band

Only 1,000 admissions to the Ball will be sold. We’d love to have you join us. FReepers worked very hard this year, on the forum and off, to help secure President Bush’s reelection. This will be your night, too. See you there!

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7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Order Your Tickets Here

FAQs for THE FREE REPUBLIC W2 INAUGURAL BALL

Click for Washington Plaza Hotel Page

What is the address for the hotel where the Ball is being held?

The Washington Plaza Hotel
10 Thomas Circle
Washington, D.C. 20005
202 842-1300

What attire is appropriate for the Ball?

Black tie and evening gowns are preferred, however business attire and business casual are acceptable. Cowboy boots and dress jeans are also appropriate. Active duty, reservists and retired military are encouraged to wear their dress uniforms.

We appreciate that not all FReepers like to dress up, so use your best judgment. However, wearing shorts, thongs or vulgar t-shirts will not get you in the door.

Why does admission to the Ball cost $175?

Prices for events like this at D.C. hotels have doubled since our 2001 Ball. The price covers the costs associated with paying for all expenses for the Ball. This is not a fundraiser for Free Republic. We are hoping to just break even.

What does the price of admission cover?

The price of admission includes: Buffet style salads, pastas, cheese and fruit, sliced turkey, ham and salmon, desserts, coffees and teas. There will be open bars serving liquor, beer, wine, bottled water, juices and sodas. Free coat check and reduced parking rates at the Washington Plaza are also included. If feasible, we will arrange to hire shuttle buses to give free rides from the McPherson Square Metro station to the hotel and back.

What methods of payment are being accepted?

American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and PayPal.

Checks and money orders are acceptable with the following conditions: Checks and money orders must be received within 10 calendar days of your online order being placed for your request to be honored. Checks returned for nonpayment will be charged $30. Please do not send cash.

A confirmation e-mail will be sent once your payment has cleared. Please save it and print a copy to take with you to the Ball as no tickets will be issued.

Is there a deadline for admission sales?

Credit card and PayPal order requests will be accepted through January 20, 2005, provided the admissions have not sold out by then.

Order requests by check and money order must be placed by December 31, 2004 and received by January 14, 2005, provided the admissions have not sold out by then.

Please note that the price of admission is $175 if purchased in advance on or before December 31, 2004 and will be $200 thereafter until the deadline.

Will admissions be sold at the door?

Maybe. There will only be 1,000 paid admissions available. If they sell out before the Ball, there will be no door sales. If there are door sales, the admission price will be $250. Cash or credit card only. No checks accepted at the door. Government issued photo ID will be required.

Why are tickets not being issued for the Ball?

For security reasons, formal tickets are not being issued for the Ball. When purchasing admissions to the Ball, you will be required to give your name and those of your guests. To gain admission to the Ball, you and your guests will be required to provide a government issued photo ID at the registration table. Any changes as to whom you are bringing to the Ball must be sent via e-mail to Jim Robinson by January 5, 2005. After January 5, please inform Kristinn Taylor by e-mail before January 20.

Are admissions refundable?

No. Because substantial financial commitments must be made for the Ball, we will not be able to refund the admission fee for any reason. If you are unable to attend, you will be allowed to transfer your admission to your designee by following the notification procedure above, or you may donate your admission(s) to a wounded OIF or OEF veteran recuperating at D.C. area military hospitals (contingent upon approval by the hospitals.)

Free Republic reserves the right to refuse admission to the Ball of any known disruptor or antagonist without refunding their admission. Anyone who pays admission and disrupts the Ball shall be removed from the Ball and their admission fee will not be refunded.

Will there be security officers at the Ball?

Yes. For security reasons we will not explain further.

What does the restricted children’s admission cover?

Because some parents don’t wish to leave their children at home on such a special night, we have made arrangements with the hotel for a special children’s room directly adjacent to the Ball. A children’s meal consisting of chicken fingers, french fries, string beans, coleslaw, cookies and fruit punch will be provided.

Parents will be responsible for the supervision of their children. The room can hold about two dozen children under 12, therefore a limited number of restricted children’s admissions will be available.

What about children over 12?

Youths and young adults under 21 and over 12 will have to pay the regular admission price of $175. They will be able to participate in all Ball activities. By law, they are prohibited from possessing alcohol. The hotel reserves the right to card anyone. Persons under age 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Is smoking allowed at the Ball?

Smoking will only be allowed in the hotel bar ( a very short walk from the Ball area) and outside the hotel.

Does having an open bar mean I can drink as much as I want?

No. The hotel reserves the right to refuse to serve anyone appearing intoxicated. The hotel will not serve alcohol to those under 21 years old. The hotel reserves the right to card anyone requesting or drinking an alcoholic beverage.

Is parking available?

Yes. Some street and garage parking is available. The Washington Plaza has a pay parking garage underneath the hotel. Ball guests will be able to self-park at the discounted rate of $9 for the event. Please note the garage has a 6 foot maximum clearance and that it only has about 300 parking spaces. A small lot for taller vehicles will be available next to the hotel on Vermont Avenue.

Street parking is available, but limited as the hotel is near residences and small businesses. If at all feasible, take a cab or Metro to the Ball.

What’s the closest Metro station?

The closest Metro station is McPherson Square on the Orange and Blue lines. It is about a four block walk from the Washington Plaza. We are looking into hiring a shuttle bus to ferry Ball guests from the McPherson Square station to the Ball and then back afterward. We will decide later whether this is feasible and make an announcement about it. Metro normally closes at midnight on weekdays, but should stay open late for the Inaugural. We should get confirmation of that closer to the Ball.

For more information about Metro, go to http://www.wmata.com

What will a taxi ride cost me?

The non-rush hour single passenger fare within one zone is $5.50 The Washington Plaza is located in D.C. Taxi Zone 1, which covers most of downtown D.C. Fares and zone maps can be found at the following: Click for Taxicab Zone Map

Driving directions:

Click for map to hotel

Hotels:

Most hotels, including the Washington Plaza, are requiring a three night stay for the Inauguration. Less expensive rooms can normally be found outside the city in Northern Virginia (Arlington, Crystal City, Alexandria and Falls Church) and suburban Maryland (Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg.) Look for hotels that are close to Metro stations.

Will there be a pre-Inaugural Wednesday night FReeper dinner?

Probably, but we’re not working on that now. We will post a thread in early January to gauge interest. If there is sufficient interest, one will be arranged.

Will there be a souvenir Ball video or DVD available after the Ball?

Maybe, depending on whether there is sufficient interest.

Order Your Tickets Here

(Please direct press inquires to Kristinn Taylor.)



TOPICS: Breaking News; Free Republic; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: freerepublic; inauguralball; w2; w2ball
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To: tgslTakoma

Great! Thanks


421 posted on 12/05/2004 5:22:11 PM PST by Jim Robinson (No more obstructionist Senate! Sixty in 06!)
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To: KevinDavis

I know it will be wonderful, and it would be great to meet everyone, but I don't hsve a date. Just don't get out much to meet anyone since my husband died some years ago. But I know y'all will have a splendiferis time! God bless.


422 posted on 12/05/2004 5:29:22 PM PST by Paperdoll (On the cutting edge)
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To: Jim Robinson; basil; Jimmy Valentine's brother; Jimmy Valentine; BufordP; dubyaismypresident; ...
W2 Inaugural Ball Menu

Salad Stations

Mixed Baby Field Greens with Tomato, Cucumber, Carrots &Radish Sprouts Buttermilk Ranch and Herb Vinaigrette

Caesar Tossed Parmesan Reggiano, Garlic Croutons and Caesar Dressing

Teriyaki Shrimp Salad with Napa Cabbage, Sugar Peas and Broccoli

Served with Assorted Dinner Rolls and Whipped Sweet Butter

Pasta Stations

Cheese Stuffed Tortellini, Penne Rigate and Linguini Pasta

Selection of Sauces: Tomato Basil, White Wine Parmesan Cream and Pesto, Wild Mushrooms, Red Onions, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Toasted Pine Nuts

Served with Garlic Bread and Parmesan Reggiano

Fruit and Cheese Displays

Selections of Domestic and Imported Cheeses to include Brie, Pepper Jack, Boursin, Herbed Chevre, Maytag Blue Wisconsin Cheddar, Gruyere, Asiago

Accompanied by Fresh Seasonal Fruit and Berries Sliced Baguettes and Imported Crackers

Carving Stations

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard

Orange Glazed Local Farm Ham Spicy Grain Mustard and Apricot Relish

Grilled Atlantic Salmon en Croute with Sautéed Baby Spinach Dill Buerre Blanc

Dessert Stations

Cheesecake
Tiramisu
Miniature Cannolis
Chocolate Truffle Cake


423 posted on 12/05/2004 6:35:29 PM PST by tgslTakoma
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To: tgslTakoma

See you at the Dessert Stations!!


424 posted on 12/05/2004 6:41:37 PM PST by Iowa Granny
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Gourmet Coffee Stations

Special House Blend Coffee and Decaffeinated Coffee, and Teas

Served with Whipped Cream, Sugar Cubes, Brown Sugar Stir Sticks Shaved Bittersweet Chocolate, Flavored Creamers and Cinnamon Sticks


425 posted on 12/05/2004 6:43:47 PM PST by tgslTakoma
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To: tgslTakoma

And at the bar stations?


426 posted on 12/05/2004 6:47:15 PM PST by patton (Drei Kinder sind bloss eine Anfang...)
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To: Iowa Granny
Definitely!

;-)

427 posted on 12/05/2004 6:47:28 PM PST by tgslTakoma
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To: patton

Open Bar, 7pm until 11:30pm. Last call at 11:15pm.


428 posted on 12/05/2004 6:50:58 PM PST by tgslTakoma
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To: tgslTakoma

WOW!

This is going to be great.

As always, thanks to everyone involved for your hard work.


429 posted on 12/05/2004 6:52:56 PM PST by Pete'sWife (Dirt is for racing... asphalt is for getting there.)
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To: patton
The Ball this time is scheduled differently than in 2001, which ended at 11pm. Freepers weren't ready to go home when that Ball ended, so many people went to the Hotel Bar to continue visiting with their new real-life friends.

This time Jim, Kristinn and Angelwood decided to extend the Ball's hours until midnight. I'm sure that many people will still want the night to go on forever, so I expect folks will still filter over to the Hotel Bar afterwards.

430 posted on 12/05/2004 6:57:01 PM PST by tgslTakoma
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To: Pete'sWife

In 2001, the ball ended at 11 p.m. Way too early for most. So this year we're open til midnight so folks can hang out for awhile and socialize after.


431 posted on 12/05/2004 6:57:40 PM PST by kristinn
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To: tgslTakoma; kristinn
I understand it is the only smoking area.

How...unusual.

432 posted on 12/05/2004 6:59:46 PM PST by patton (Drei Kinder sind bloss eine Anfang...)
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To: kristinn

Can't wait to see all of you again. Mr Basil and I are coming in on Tues and leaving on Sat. We are staying at the Washington Plaza. My younger brother and his wife are coming with us. Don't know for sure about the rest of the people we talked about--haven't heard back from them.


433 posted on 12/05/2004 7:08:43 PM PST by basil (Exercise your Second Amendment--buy another gun today!)
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To: patton
No hotels that I know of in D.C. allow smoking in their ballrooms or meeting rooms. In 2001, the Wyndham Washington made smokers go downstairs to the overflow room to smoke. This time, that option was gone and smokers would have had to go a hotel bar on a different floor.

The Washington Plaza's lounge is so close to the Ball action you won't feel put out stepping over to it to light up.

BTW, a hotel's smoking policy was not a deciding factor in which venue we chose. All of them offered to make arrangements so that smokers could smoke indoors.

434 posted on 12/05/2004 7:22:39 PM PST by kristinn
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To: kristinn

Well, that's it, then. I will never vote for W again.


435 posted on 12/05/2004 7:24:53 PM PST by patton (Drei Kinder sind bloss eine Anfang...)
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To: patton

Man, you're tough!


436 posted on 12/05/2004 7:33:08 PM PST by kristinn
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To: tgslTakoma

my tongue is hanging out..

you did a great job!!!!

Cant wait!


437 posted on 12/05/2004 7:34:27 PM PST by DollyCali (We can never repay our veterans...NEVER. Thank you all who served our great country.)
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To: kristinn

Hey, twice is my limit.


438 posted on 12/05/2004 7:35:01 PM PST by patton (Drei Kinder sind bloss eine Anfang...)
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To: Pete'sWife
The planners' goal has been to make sure this Ball includes everything you all would want in an evening of celebration with friends, from a full meal, drinks and desserts, to a great band to sing along with, dance to and cheer - because not only are they a great band - they are conservatives!

We want this Ball to be a continuation of the magic night many of us experienced four years ago. So many of us came to that Ball knowing only a few people, if any of them; but it was a grand experience to meet the people that belonged to the screen names we had known only online.

I am looking forward to this celebration, to renew old friendships and to meet some of the new people who have joined FR since that first inaugural ball. So many of them have become great and effective activists, online and on the streets.

It will be a great night!

439 posted on 12/05/2004 7:38:19 PM PST by tgslTakoma
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To: DollyCali

It was Jim Robinson and the rest of the Ball crew that did the planning. I'm cheering them on.


440 posted on 12/05/2004 7:41:33 PM PST by tgslTakoma
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