In finery, partyers salute N.C.'s finest

RALEIGH -- More than once Friday night, Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue said there was plenty of work ahead. But for the inaugural festivities Friday evening, she was content to be the belle of the ball -- the lady in red.

Thousands of politicians, supporters and business and civic leaders turned out for the state's Inaugural Ball, where the line often blurred between social event and hard-core networking scene.

Perdue was elegant in a long, red-beaded gown, which she had specially made. Hundreds of well wishers and supporters in tuxedos and ball gowns swarmed her as she walked through a sold-out reception early in the evening.

"Remember that tomorrow the real world begins again," Perdue told the audience.

Perdue spent a few minutes both at the reception, the "Gala Presentation" -- and at the ball, dancing with her husband, Bob Eaves -- first to "It's a Wonderful World" and then to "Boogie Shoes."

While she danced, hundreds of partyers swarmed the food stations outside the main ballroom, hoping to sample food from some of North Carolina's best-known restaurants and chefs.

The food was part of the draw for Tracy and Chris Mitchell, who also came to mingle with friends and do some business networking.

Others said they were there to celebrate Perdue's win as the state"s first female governor. Among them was former first lady Carolyn Hunt, who was excited that another generation of Hunts had become active in politics.

"We had children who worked very hard on this campaign," Hunt said. "We're very proud this has carried on with the next generation. It's a privilege to be here."

Newly installed U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan also was there. She said the trip was a last-minute decision after realizing she didn't have to be in Washington on Friday for a vote.

"I'm here because I want to honor Beverly Perdue and the great race that she ran," she said.

Buzz among the youth

Young voters and campaigners, who were instrumental in this year's election, came out to celebrate, despite the $150-a-head cost for the governor-elect's reception.

Helen Baddour, a UNC-Chapel HIll journalism major who helped lead Perdue's campaign on campus, said the fact that Perdue could become the state's first female governor drew her at first. "I was thrilled to have a woman running for governor," she said.

It was thought-provoking talks with her peers about politics and issues facing North Carolina that kept her interested. "That was the best part of the election season for me, having conversations with other students," Baddour said.

One-stop festivities

Friday's inaugural festivities, planned and funded by the Junior League of Raleigh, were the first in the new Raleigh Convention Center.

Susan McCallister, who was president of the league during the inaugural ball four years ago, said she remembers past balls when partygoers walked among different buildings downtown to get to the functions.

"It's just nice to be in this new venue," she said.

More than 400 Junior League volunteers worked on the festivities during the past two years. More than 21,000 volunteer hours were invested in the events.

"We're celebrating North Carolina's finest tonight," said Virginia Yopp, the league president. "That's the most special part of all of this. We're celebrating North Carolina cuisine, North Carolina entertainment and North Carolina education."

A Cinderella story

While Perdue might have been the belle of the ball, Othaey Fisher was Cinderella.

Fisher, a survivor of domestic violence and a volunteer for Interact of Wake County, arrived in a chauffeured limousine draped in diamonds and wearing a long wine-colored satin gown.

And all of it was free. Bailey's Fine Jewelry lent her the diamonds, including a stunning white gold sparkling necklace, and Kannon's Clothing gave her the dress. Dinner for her and a date before the ball was provided by Vivace, and Bailey's paid the $250 cost for tickets to the ball.

She spent most of Friday getting her hair and nails done. "Words cannot even describe how beautiful I feel in the dress," she said.