On the dance floor and with drinks in their hands, hundreds celebrated the Obama presidency at the New Haven Inaugural Ball.
"I look around and this is not about one person," Edward Hammonds of New Haven said. "It's about all of us."
Tony Falcone painted a portrait of President Barack Obama. It was up for auction at the Ball, with all the money from the party going to the New Haven Public School Foundation.
"I was just compelled by the excitement of the whole campaign," Falcone said.
Roye Anastasio of New Haven came because she wanted to celebrate with others who feel the same way she does.
"I think it's an amazing convergence of what the world needs, our country needs and the qualifications of this man," Anastasio said. "He's the right person for the right time."
Live music was played in Hartford where the Democratic Town Committee put on a party for 150 people at the Artists Collective.
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"I've had people calling me up and crying on the phone out of happiness at a place now where they can begin to look for hope," said Democratic Town Committee Chairperson Sean Arena.
Prenzina Holloway of Hartford sat in the crowd with a big smile on her face.
"I am 70. I've been in politics for 50 years," Holloway said. "I would never dream of this day, but I'm glad that I'm still here to see it."
The Greater Hartford Urban League Young Professionals worked hard to get Obama elected. They celebrated with wine and cheese at the Governor's Mansion.
"I'm quite sure they all take great pride in what they've done and great pride in providing support for our new president cause it's going to be key," James Willingham, the President of the Urban League of Greater Hartford, said.
