Happy voters from Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York came together as one community to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama at the Mahaiwe Theatre in Great Barrington. The free event (sponsored by public television station WMHT and the law firm of Cain Hibbard & Myers) was standing room only. There were jeers for some Republicans when they appeared on the giant screen, but that was nothing compared to the cheers for the new president. Everyone stood while Obama took the oath of office and for the joyful singing of The Star-Spangled Banner, which never sounded so good.
Eli and Pearly Conaway of Great Barrington wore sweatshirts made by Stadium System in Canaan, CT; their knit hats came from North Carolina.
Paige Orloff and Stephanie Iverson wore T-shirts designed by Iverson; Clara R. Bell and her son Arnold Bell.
Julie Scott and Julia Erickson wore hats fashioned from recycled Obama lawn signs.
Songwriter/producer Robby Baier with artist/critic Carol Diehl. Zoe Fedorjaczenko and Mary Elling.
Wayne Dolby and Ron Bernoi deliver balloons next door to Castle Street Cafe for its inaugural ball.
Community activists Rene Wood and Ray Gunn Jr.; Dawn Estern
Roberto Flores and Anne MacDonald; screenwriter Maria Nation.
The new president got more than one standing ovation from the audience at the Mahaiwe.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
