For everyone who wants to celebrate the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama but can’t make the trip to Washington, D. C., there is an alternative. A ball has been planned right here in Jones County by the Mississippi Federation of Democratic Women — Jones County Chapter.

The evening won’t only celebrate Obama’s victory as the first African-American president, but also honor people in Jones County who helped give the right to vote to everyone.

“We remember our grandparents struggling to vote,” Carolyn Harper McLaurin said. “People trying to get the money for the poll tax just to vote. These people worked for this. We never knew we this would happen in our lifetime.”

“The main reason we are doing this is to celebrate history,” Jones County Chapter of the Miss. Federation of Democratic Women Carolyn Horne said. “This is the first time and this is the start of the celebration.”

The party is open to everyone, not just chapter members. That ideal goes in line with Obama’s philosophy of service, several members said.

“A lot of people had trouble at jobs who wanted to celebrate and couldn’t,” McLaurin said. “Now it’s time to celebrate.”

Although people under 21 won’t be able to drink alcoholic beverages, they are still invited, several members said. In fact, everyone is invited to attend.

“Now is a time people should realize it’s not about a color, but it’s about the characteristics. He did not win as a race, but as the type of person he is,” member Maggie H. Williams said.

The Presidential Inauguration Ball to be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at The Reserve in Downtown Laurel will feature speakers, food, and a formal ball atmosphere. Tickets are $25 and include food and the first drink. There will be a cash bar for additional drinks. Miss. President of Young Democrats Parker Wiseman and Jones County Supervisor Jerome Wyatt are scheduled speakers.

There will also be a silent auction the night of the ball.

“We’ve got a lot of very interesting items,” McLaurin said.

Some of these items include paintings and official Obama memorabilia, including a family portrait.

Members of the local chapter of the Mississippi Federation of Democratic Women are asking people to purchase tickets by Jan. 5. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (601) 649-6692 or (601) 649-6396.