Presidential Inaugural Gala in Reno

Whether you voted for Barack Obama or not, he will become the 44th President of the United States at his inauguration on January 20th. The affair is being hyped to the max, of course, and all reports say it's going to be huge, as in estimates of up to two million people converging on Washington, D.C. for the event. That's a crowd I can't even comprehend, and I have no intention of finding out what it's like.

Fortunately for me and my fellow ochlophobes, there is an alternative right here in Reno. It's the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Gala, to be held at the Grand Sierra Resort from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday the 20th. The bash is being put on by the Washoe County Democratic Party. Everyone is invited regardless of party affiliation, or lack thereof. Obama will be President of the United States, not just the part that happens to be registered Democrats.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online, which organizers hope you will do so they can plan enough food for the buffet dinner. Even so, you'll still be able to buy tickets at the door if that's your druthers.

Here are some more Reno inaugural parties where you can celebrate this historic shift in our political landscape.

Sign up to receive the Reno / Tahoe Newsletter and stay on top of what's happening.