Spencer Webster photo

Hundreds of party-goers trip the light fantastic at the inaugural celebration held at Freeland Hall Tuesday night.

There was an emotional mixture of hope, high expectations and the wonder of it all by South Enders during the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th president on Tuesday.

In the morning, people gathered around television monitors at home and at the Freeland Library and the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley to view the historic event.

In the evening, many dressed up and went out on the town to celebrate.

More than 400 people crammed Freeland Hall for South Whidbey’s own version of an inaugural ball, and another 40 attended an impromptu celebration at the historic Dog House Tavern in Langley.

The celebration started early.

“Happy Obama day!” said Constance Wiseman of Greenbank as she entered the Freeland Library to join a standing-room-only crowd watching the event over live streaming video.

“This is the most exciting political event in my lifetime,” said Joann Peterson. “Much greater in importance to us all than the Kennedy years.”

Her husband, Art Peterson, said that it was the most significant inauguration since his first in 1940.

“Change is coming finally, and it’s all to the good,” he said.

Library assistant and resident tech guru Mary Ellen Ward bustled about setting up the computer podcast that would allow people to view real-time events in Washington, D.C.

There were a few glitches, however.

With millions of folks watching from their work computers, a heavy strain was put on the networking servers and, occasionally, a dreaded blue screen announced that the signal was lost.

But in the friendly atmosphere of the library, the prevailing attitude was “no worries” as Ward got the show back on the screen.

Doris Matz of Langley wasn’t sure if her first ballot experience was in 1948 or 1952.

“I think I voted for Truman, but it may have been Eisenhower,” she recalled. “Definitely not Stevenson. This is such an historic event. I voted for Obama because I believe he’ll be a good leader.”

Joanna Snow Cruse from Freeland said watching Obama was a major thrill.

“I never thought this would happen in my lifetime,” she noted. “I brought three hankies, just in case.”

They were needed. As Obama was sworn in, then gave his inaugural speech, there were cheers, applause and tears.

Jenny Grisewood, who was born in South Africa, said she showed up to share the day with her community.

“I’ve been waiting for a president like Obama since JFK and Jimmy Carter,” she said. “He has integrity, intelligence and offers the country a fine balance between harmony and inclusion.”

By the end of Obama’s speech, she was openly weeping.

For John Hannum of Clinton, the inauguration brought him full circle — he was at the Democratic caucus at South Whidbey High School a year ago. A “Sheet Metal Workers for Obama” button was affixed to his baseball cap.

“This is surely one of the most wonderful days ever,” he said as he watched the parade of dignitaries assemble on the Capitol steps.

“This is our new president’s opportunity to make some real changes; he’ll listen to the people,” he added.

• • •

In Langley, a big-screen, streaming-video presentation of the inauguration also took place at the last minute at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.

Despite the lack of publicity, more than 145 people showed up, said Stacie Burgua, WICA executive director.

“We had coffee, orange juice, muffins and inauguration,” Burgua said.

“We had a lot of thank you’s from people.”

“It was very joyous,” she continued. “There was a lot of excitement in that room. I saw some tears being shed.”

She said members of the crowd were of all ages, and many different walks of life.

“I think people loved it,” Burgua said. “They stood up for Biden’s swearing-in, for Obama’s swearing-in and for the ‘Star-Spangled Banner.’”

“It felt very much like a community center, with people you don’t normally see here coming in to share the experience with others,” she said.

• • •

Later that evening in Freeland, hundreds of people, some from off-island, showed up for an inaugural ball at Freeland Hall.

“It was a rollicking success, with people from all over the island, and some from the mainland, showing up in their fancy dress, Whidbey-style, to celebrate,” said Lynnaea Lumbard, one of the organizers.

Groups who helped in the planning included Transition Whidbey, Move-On Whidbey, Whidbey Elects Barack, Island County Democrats and individuals who contributed their e-mail lists, Lumbard said.

Almost everything was donated, and more than $600 was raised after expenses for local charities Transition Whidbey and Good Cheer, she said.

Visuals of the inauguration and some of the televised inaugural balls, arranged by Rick Ingrasci, were on view behind the stage, and people danced to music contributed by Eli Moore and Ashley Eriksson.

The Open Circle Community Choir sang a couple of numbers, then everyone joined in on the song “We Are The Ones We’ve Been Waiting For,” by Berniece Reagon, Lumbard said.

“The hall was filled to overflowing with dancing, laughing and cheering people,” she said. “It was an exuberant, multi-generational community event.”

Geoff Hornsby, 78, of Freeland, and his wife Kathleen were in the crowd.

“It was lively, happy and energetic,” Hornsby said. “People were having a ball, literally.”

He said it became so crowded in the hall that it was difficult to dance, except in place, and it was so noisy that it was hard to carry on a conversation.

As for the video presentation of the events in Washington, D.C.: “I don’t think anybody was paying much attention,” Hornsby said. “Everybody was talking, or attempting to talk, eating, drinking and dancing. It was a lot of fun.”

“It certainly was a memorable occasion,” he added. “Obviously, people have a lot of hope, anticipation and expectation.”

He said President Obama “has an overwhelming task ahead of him.”

“But he seems more like a statesman than a politician,” Hornsby added. “He seems like the right man for the times.”

“Why anybody would want the job beats me,” he continued. “We just have to bear with him.”

• • •

In Langley, more than 40 people showed up for an inauguration bash at the Dog House Tavern on First Street.

“We had a party,” said staffer April Harriman, who organized the event on the spur of the moment. “We just did it for the locals. Everybody liked it.”

Harriman said she put up some decorations, dimmed the lights, spread around some candles and put up a big projector screen to catch the television broadcast.

“We started about six and it went until about 11,” she said. “Some people dressed up, but it wasn’t like ballroom.”

There was a full food menu, and discounts on beverages, she added.

“We’re going to get some more events like that down here,” Harriman said. “Maybe it’ll grow.”

Record writer Roy Jacobson contributed to this story.