BLAST FROM THE PAST: 2001 Free Republic Inaugural Ball Photos

Click here for W2 Ball info and Tickets! ^ | December 8, 2004 | Multiple Freepers' cameras - January 20, 2001

[tgslTakoma]

As Freepers gear-up for Free Republic's 2nd Inaugural Ball, I thought it might be fun to post some of the photos I saved from the first FR Ball threads in 2001.

There were so many photo threads from that first Ball, but the photos were hosted on now-defunct sites. Unless folks saved the photos to their computers back in 2001, finding any of them on the internet now is next to impossible.

So, here begins the photo journey back four years, to the Free Republic Inaugural Ball and Count the White House Silverware Party...

Your host for the evening, Jim Robinson!

Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (red vest) and Capitol Offense rock the night away with Freepers.

The new President makes a surprise appearance at the Freeper Ball.

Dubya performs with the band.

Bob Barr and Gary Aldrich.

Anyone remember "Billvis" at the Ball, and his "exit" from the building?

The dance floor was packed all night long.

The Ballroom lobby was full of Freepers, too!

Another shot of the Ballroom lobby, as Freepers meet new friends and greet old ones.

Governor Huckabee and the band had people dancing all night long!

And more dancin'!

Capitol Offense, 2001 - Will repeat their fantastic performance this January 20th at the FR W2 Ball!

Folks get into the buffet line, between dancing and chatting with Freepers.

AlGore and Bubba know the power of FR.

Hold onto your wallet, Governor. Al and Bubba are always lookin' for $$; though they seem to prefer Chinese ca$h.

Tony Kaye with Governor Huckabee, after the band's sound check.

Blondes having fun.

Name the Freepers...

Basil and Mr. Basil

Bootless

DoughtyOne and Mrs. D1

Requiem for Truth and the Mr.

Ironman.

The bmwcyles.

AGreatPer and family.

Free Republic display board, a favorite site for group photos, in Ballroom lobby.

Doctor Raoul and Jimmy Valentine's brother. Two manly men, masters of disguise and great humor, internationally (in)famous.

LisaFab with her friends, Darrell and Ed.

ELS and standwatie.

LBGA. She is missed.

Another shot of the band.

Governor Huckabee.

[nutmeg]

What a great thread... I didn't realize these pics still existed anywhere. Thank you for the ping!

The FR Ball 2001 was sooooo much fun... I've GOT to ping my list here. ;-)

[nutmeg]

This ping is especially for FReepers who may be still deciding on whether or not to attend the FR W2 Inaugural Ball. We were there in 2001 and had WAY too much fun! Can't wait until Jan. 20, 2005! ;-)

Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my ‘miscellaneous’ ping list.

[nutmeg]

Fabulous thread! Thank you. :-)

[Victoria Delsoul]

Great pics, thanks.

[nutmeg]

ping!

[bootless]

Hee-eey! I still have the hat - gonna bring it. Will lose the glasses, tho. :-)

How nice to see everyone, and yes, LBGA is missed terribly. What a nice lady.

[bootless]

Hey nutmeg, are you and the mister planning to attend? I'll be there (God willing!), as will flyboy.

[queenkathy]

For us new members, what happed to LBGA? And everyone looked great in their PJ's. ;)

[nutmeg]

Hey nutmeg, are you and the mister planning to attend? I'll be there (God willing!), as will flyboy.

Yep, we'll be there! Can't believe it's been four years since we've seen you. Hope we find one another in the crowd of FReepers. Who is "flyboy"?

[bootless]

Yay! I have a funny dancing story for you, btw. I ended up doing a transcription job for a local woman who's a national ballroom judge (and teacher). Looking on the website for the association she works with, I saw three or four people I used to teach with (and one I worked for) Back in the Day! She was thrilled that I knew the lingo. Are you guys still dancing?

I work with flyboy - he's been a friend since before my son was evenborn, and I learned how to fly in his plane. (Thank you!!)

There's a picture someplace of him videotaping the action (part of his head - tall, mustache and beard) - he actually spent most of the evening taping the events for the video. I think we interviewed you and Zelig, right?

[RightOnline]

The Lovely Wife and I had a FABULOUS time at that event. Not sure if we can make this one due to work schedules, but we will try. Thanks for the "memories".

[nutmeg]

There's a picture someplace of him videotaping the action (part of his head - tall, mustache and beard) - he actually spent most of the evening taping the events for the video. I think we interviewed you and Zelig, right?

Oh yes, now I remember the person who interviewed us - didn't know his screen name was flyboy. Yes, we were among the interviewed at the 2001 FR Ball. I think Zelig ended up on the FR Ball tape... we'll have to watch it again to check that out and to re-live the memories.

We haven't been taking dancing lessons as we were four years ago, and are woefully out of practice. We'd better do some practicing before the Ball, I guess... Think we'll pick it up again a la "riding a bicycle?" ;-)

[processing please hold]

It sounds like it was a magical night. How I envy you.

[bootless]

Yes, it's just like riding a bicycle - that's the whole point! Just remember: slow slow quick quick. Heel leads going forward, release your toes going back. No spaghetti arms (which Frank learned from Sue when he was a student - ha!) Actually, you may not have room for a foxtrot - just bop and have a great time!

Yeah - flyboy found out about Free Republic from Snopercod (hey there!) and I found out about it from him. I'll look at my copy of the tape and see where you are.

That was just a blast - I loved meeting everyone, and am really looking forward to hearing Gov Mike and his band again!

[ladyinred]

Great to see the pics again! Sure wish I weren't such a chicken to fly, would love to be there this year!

[anymouse]

ping

[snopercod]

Looking good!

[Huber]

Why TGSL, you practically wax poetic!

[Ligeia]

That's a great idea!

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

I remember arriving at the hotel in my "work clothes," knowing just a few local Freepers (DC Chapter members), but very quickly feeling like I was with old friends

Old friends indeed! Good people with a common cause well met.