Illinois State Society Gala Celebrates Obama's Second Inaugural (PHOTOS)

LOOK: Illinois Celebrates Its Homestate Son

WASHINGTON -- The Land of Lincoln celebrated the second inauguration of Barack Obama with fair food, caricature artists, messages to the troops and multiple ballrooms of dancing. Thousands of Illinois residents and well-wishers filled two floors of the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel on Saturday, Jan. 19.

The first floor of the Illinois State Society Inaugural Gala was dedicated to Route 66, Interstate 80 and the Illinois State Fair. Each room featured site-specific drinks and fair food. Pizzeria Uno represented Chicago while Springfield had corn dogs from the Illinois State Fair. A country saloon featured a life-sized horse and square dancing. The second floor featured charity auctions, three separate ballrooms featuring big band, rock and blues bands.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D), Illinois Senator Dick Durbin (D) and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) made appearances.

Click through the slideshow for photos from the Illinois State Society Inaugural Gala.

Ice Sculpture

Illinois

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