Revelry in Raleigh ushers in historic day

North Carolina's political set was decked out in shimmering gowns and tuxedos in downtown Raleigh on Friday night to celebrate the beginning of a new administration. Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue, who danced with her husband, Bob Eaves, was the star of the inaugural ball at the Raleigh Convention Center. Perdue, like many celebrating, is a Democrat. And the party partied as people ate, drank and danced throughout the night. She will be sworn into office this morning,

People enjoyed the fare of more than a dozen North Carolina restaurants, including Raleigh's Second Empire and The Gamekeeper from Boone, and the music of North Carolina bands such as Tres Chicas and Chatham County Line.

The evening, organized by the Junior League of Raleigh, also brought out those who have a special interest in the business of government, groups such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Progress Energy and Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel that ponied up thousands of dollars to sponsor the event.