President and Mrs. Bush with Shirley and Mike Westerfield
What a night! The doors opened at 6:45 pm. The community center was blanketed with Secret Service, local law enforcement and at least 20
different media satellite vans. The media included CNN, Fox, NBC, CBS, and ABC. There were reporters from as far away as Japan, Spain, New York, and Washington, D.C. We all had to be searched by the Secret Service as we went in the door. Once you were inside, you were not allowed out. By that time, we all knew we would have a special guest.
The Ball Room
The decorations were awesome. Some said they were better than the Texas Ball in Washington. There was a longhorn steer, Frito, at the front of the community center grazing in a pen. As we walked in, there was a replica of the White House made by the High School Art department. There were life size cut outs of Former President Bush and Barbara Bush. The tables were decorated with cowboy boots. The boots were auctioned off later in the night. The band
stage was decorated with two gigantic boots with red, white, and blue balloons streaming out. Stars and lights were hung from the ceiling. Life size cut outs of cowboys, cowgirls, steers, and cactus were hung on the walls. The food was a Tex-Mex feast with Laura Bush cookies for dessert.
Boot Decoration
The Boy Scout troop presented the colors and Kasi Painter, a Crawford High School Senior, brought down the house with her
acappella rendition of The National Anthem. The next thing we know the band starts playing Hail to the Chief and in walks President George W. Bush and his wife Laura. At this time, he said a few words to everyone. He explained that he would have worn his tux, but the rental was out and he had to take it back. Also, he mentioned it was good to be home with his neighbors and hopes to get back to Crawford often. After this, he and Laura danced. Then President Bush danced with our hostess, Shirley Westerfield and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bush danced with our host, Mike Westerfield. President and Mrs. Bush visited with the crowd, signed some autographs, and posed for a few pictures. Unfortunately, they were unable to stay longer. Everyone was very appreciative of President and Mrs. Bush taking the time to visit.
Shirley and Mike Westerfield
After all this, the party was ready to begin! There was dancing to The Johnny Gimble band, with a special guest appearance by granddaughter, Emily Gimble. Also, a song by Kasi Painter. Ted Nugent came to the Ball as a guest of some Crawford residents and mixed and mingled with the crowd for some time. He brought his guitar and was planning to perform before he was called away from the party. Missing Ted's performance was the only blemish on a perfect night!
Various media reports of the Inaugural Ball: