DC011813 by The DC

The Daily Campus

JULIE FANCHER Assignment Desk Editor jfancher@smu.edu The themes of hope and change that drew nearly two million attendees to President Obama’s 2009 inauguration have failed to bring in the same numbers for Obama’s second time around. In the first week of the new year, the Washington D.C. Transportation and Tourism Department announced that they expected the turnout to be just 600,000-800,000 visitors to watch on the National Mall. It’s anticipated that this low expected rate of attendance will affect many of the events D.C. had planned for the inauguration, being held on the MLK holiday. Several factors have attributed to the low number of ticket sales, including the recent fiscal cliff crisis and the impending debt ceiling. The fiscal cliff detracted attention from the positive aspects of the inauguration and instead turned attention to the negative aspects of Washington. Due to the low numbers of visitors, hotels that had hoped to sell out, such as the Hay-Adams, which is located across the street from the White House, are having much more trouble than four years ago. The Hay-Adams General Manager Hans Bruland told

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Texas shows its presence in DC during inauguration celebrations KATELYN GOUGH News Editor kgough@smu.edu Incumbent Barack Obama will be sworn in for his second term as President on Monday, but festivities held in honor of the Inauguration will actually start taking place even sooner. The Texas State Society will host its annual Black Tie and Boots Ball, a tradition that has been in place for more than 30 years. “It has become known as the biggest inaugural ball, and stands apart from the rest due to its size,” according to Veronica Custer, communications director for

the event. “In 2009, over 11,000 tickets were sold.” Many Texas natives living in the DC area have the chance to “visit home” every four years at the ball, and an estimated “30 percent of attendees traveled from Texas.” With the ball’s many traditions, including “the Texas Fair marketplace, open bar, and great food,” the Black Tie and Boots affair stays true to its Southern roots. “[In 2009] there were over 20 artists that performed on six stages,” Custer said. She said the ball’s consistent success is thanks to “stellar entertainment from artists with

Texas ties.” Past performers have included country favorites such as Asleep at the Wheel, Tracy Byrd ,Sara Evans, and Jack Ingram, among many others. Several past artists are returning this year, along with “Country Music Hall of Fame Legend” Charley Pride and over 30 other groups and soloists. In a press release earlier this month, the 2013 chairman of the ball Doug Centilli said, “We’re in an amazing venue with an unbelievable line up... It’s going to be an experience [attendees] won’t forget.” Along with new artists, the ball will also be ushering in several

new features. “We’ve added a coffee housetype acoustic room, more food options, and the Texas Fair will be open two days,” Custer explained. The ball will be held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, and tickets sell for $275 per nonmember. Many other states also host Inaugural balls over the weekend, in addition to the official Inaugural balls hosted by the President. Attendance is expected to be lower at this year’s inauguration, mostly because of the country’s economic state and the fact of it being an incumbent inauguration.

While there were 10 official balls hosted by Obama in 2009, the President has chosen to hold only two this year in light of the country’s financial situation. Both the Commander-inChief ’s Ball—an event specifically for members of the Armed Forces—and the Inaugural Ball will be held Monday evening in the Convention Center, following the Presidential swearing-in ceremony. There will also be a staff Inaugural ball held the following day, which is rumored to be featuring special entertainment for the smaller, invitation-only White House crowd.

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incredible. I can take my direct knowledge I learn at SMU and walk over to the museum and apply it directly.” “Being partners with SMU, that partnership is very deep. We work together so often on so many things. But by working together [on this] we have been able to put together a premier showcase for the public to come and see—whether they are local or out of town—we are showcasing the very important work that goes on here in Dallas, and that story is strengthened with partnerships particularly with SMU,” Fiorillo said. The exhibit is to remain open based upon the discretion of the Perot Museum.

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that the IV-P is no longer in production. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Stern was planning on going through recruitment at SMU. In honor of her memory, a moment of silence was held among all the students in Hughes-Trigg, just as recruitment week was to begin. The university released a statement just days after the tragic incident informing students of Stern’s passing and offering help for students who may be struggling with her tragic death. Help for students coping with the death can find help from the Dean of Student Life, Counseling and Psychiatric Services, Office of the Chaplain, a hall director or resident assistant, the Residence Life and Student Housing office and the SMU Police.

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Inauguration attendance low in 2013

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FRIDAY ■ JANUARY 18, 2013