In January 2009, with the economy in shambles, newly elected Gov. Jack Markell decided an inaugural ball would be a waste of money.
This time around, the governor agreed to a celebration to recognize that things are a bit brighter than four years ago.
Gov. Jack Markell's inaugural ball in Wilmington.
Gov. Jack Markell's inaugural ball in Wilmington.
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Still, austerity is in fashion. Instead of a sit-down repast, the soiree Tuesday night at Wilmington's Chase Center on the Riverfront was a fancy dress mix-and-mingle with a sell-out crowd of 1,800 well wishers. Tickets cost $25 a head, plus whatever guests wanted to spend at the cash bar. Camaraderie was abundant and free.
“It’s a fabulous party, with excellent food and wine,” said Beth Wells, a pharmaceuticals consultant from North Wilmington. “In fact, it’s the best party in Delaware.”
Markell donned a tuxedo for the event, where black tie was optional. Carla Markell, the first lady, wore a sleeveless ruffled royal blue gown and silver pumps with bows on them.
David Amado, who wears tails to work as maestro of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, looked dashing in a funky pink tie and business suit. He is hopeful DSO, which shortened its season amid a financial crisis, will regain its prosperity along with the state and local businesses.
“The governor was very supportive of us and Carla is a wonderful advocate for the arts,” he said.
Tom Ferry, who retired in 2010 as CEO of Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, said Markell managed to maintain his popularity despite a rugged economy because he is a straight shooter.
“He is transparent, honest and a person who builds consensus,” he said. “That is why so many people are here to wish him well.”
There hasn’t been an inaugural ball since 19-year-old Victoria Pope was 11. She is now a student at Delaware Technical Community College and is interested in a career in public service. Her late father, John “Sean” Mulhern, served as chief of the fire department in Wilmington, as well as director of the Emergency Management Agency for two governors, Tom Carper and Ruth Ann Minner.
“So when my neighbor asked me if I wanted to come, this seemed like a place I should be because my father took me to an inaugural ball when I was a little girl,” she said.
Like the majority of guests, Pope wore black from head to toe. She said was inspired by cold and drizzly weather.
“Originally, I was going to wear pink but I wasn’t feeling it tonight,” she said.
Still, there was lots of life at the party, Love Seed Mama Jump, a six-piece band out of Dewey Beach, produced a steady stream of rock and roll.
Members of the Delaware Restaurant Association served up hors d'oeuvres and small plates, ranging from goat cheese tartlets from Domaine Hudson in Wilmington to spicy pork meatballs from Frankie’s in Dover Downs to savory nibbles from Nage in Rehoboth Beach.
Delaware breweries and wineries offered complimentary tastings of their wares. Stewart’s Brewing Co. in Bear poured it on with samples of award-winning oyster stout and mini cupcakes baked with beer.
“It’s nice to see people from upstate and downstate,” said owner Al Stewart. “You don’t get this kind of exposure from a 30-second commerical.”
On the list of event sponsors includes Norfolk Southern, the railroad subsidiary, Skadden, a law firm that focuses on Fortune 500 clients and other companies, drug makers Lilly and AstraZeneca, Verizon, and other health care, law and architectural firms.
To mark the event, Carla Markell suggested donations to Project Renewal, an initiative that mobilizes volunteers and community leaders to maintain and updates facilities at Boys & Girls Clubs in Delaware. When the governor canceled the 2009 inaugural festivities, he declared a statewide day of volunteerism.
There’s another inaugural celebration to come, this one for President Obama and Delaware’s own Vice President Joe Biden. The Delaware State Society has teamed with Maryland and New York state groups for one black-tie extravaganza at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington D.C. on Sunday, Jan. 20, the eve of inauguration. The $410 price of admission includes appetizers, open bar, and multiple stations for dining, plus live music by Sound Nation and access to a game room.
At the riverfront event, Markell took a few minutes to chat with the press, sticking very much to the business of running a state.
He pointed out the strict, five-point gun control initiative he had rolled out the day before. He reiterated his support for marriage equality for gay couples.
Yes, it was a great party, but “I’m actually more excited about getting to work tomorrow,” he said.
Seconds later, the Markells posed for a photograph with Lt. Gov. Matt Denn and his wife Michele. A large trash can was stationed against the wall, a jarring contrast to the gaiety of the evening.
Not to worry. The governor and first lady quickly pushed the trash can out of sight, resumed their places -- and smiled.
