Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2011 > January > 19 > Entry
Texas Inauguration Night Celebration at the Palmer Events Center
The evening’s festivities stuck to the 2011 austerity theme.
Dennis Martinez and Anna Hundley of the Autism Treatment Center
Guests at the Palmer Events Center were attired in cocktail wear or dressy business suits, although a few women opted for full-length gowns and wraps, some in patriotic themes.
Sarah Beck and Ashton Morgan
Palmer was opened to full, airplane-hangar capacity, with stations for bite-sized desserts and cash bars, scenes for old-fashioned political backslapping.
Donna Williams, Hannah Bell and Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams
Bands, including hard-working country artist Bonnie Bishop, played the north stage, too loudly for some patrons, who retired to Palmer’s south end.
Drs. Dawn and Edward Buckingham
High officials, legislators, judges and other dignitaries roamed the vast floor, exchanging casual forms of gallantry. Brigadier General Red Brown — his chest a shield of medals — said it was an evening for special pride.
Jane Brown and Brigadier General Red Brown
Others spoke of the legislature’s honeymoon period, with ceremonial activities not yet overshadowed by the state budgetary challenges.
Paul and Kim Harle
First lady Anita Perry’s spokeswoman Sarah Beck summed up the evening: “It’s all smiles.”
Ann Butler and former Texas Secretary of State Geoff Connor
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