Having A Ball – Bluegrass Style

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson and his wife, Madeline, attended The Bluegrass Ball in Washington D.C.

The Kentucky Society of Washington, D.C. celebrated the 57th Presidential Inauguration with The Bluegrass Ball, Jan. 19 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The non-partisan Bluegrass Ball – which has been named an “Editor’s Pick” by the Washington Post in 2013, 2009 and 2005 – was attended by more than 1,000 guests, including actress Ashley Judd, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, Four Roses brand ambassador Al Young, and master distillers Chris Morris of Woodford Reserve, Craig Beam of Heaven Hill and Rob Samuels of Maker’s Mark.

The Kentucky-inspired menu was created by Chef Edward Lee, of Louisville’s 610 Magnolia. (If you’ll recall, Lee gained national fame after appearing on popular television shows, “Iron Chef America” and “Top Chef.”)

More than 1,000 people attended the black-tie event, which was emceed by Phyllis George, former Miss America and First Lady of Kentucky, and her daughter Pamela Brown, an Emmy-nominated anchor/reporter for D.C.’s ABC affiliate.

Guests – who varied in their political affiliations – received gift bags of Kentucky Proud souvenirs and products.

Founded in 1912, the Kentucky Society of Washington is one of the oldest state societies in the nation’s capital and puts on three major events: PreDerby Party on the Potomac, the Henry Clay Dinner and the Bluegrass Inaugural Ball.

Ashley Judd attended The Bluegrass Ball on Jan. 19. Two days later, while watching President Barack Obama speak at the Presidential Inauguration, Judd, a Kentucky native (and ardent Big Blue fan), quoted him on Twitter: ‘Our journey is not complete until… children in the hills of Appalachia are safe,’ “ and then added, “I am weeping. Pres (Obama) mentions us (Kentucky) in Inauguration speech.”

The Kentucky Society of Washington, D.C. was founded in 1912. The organization promotes goodwill, fellowship, and amicable relations among Kentuckians in the National Capital Region. The Society was formed to preserve and perpetuate the history and traditions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. These ideals are promoted through numerous social, educational and charitable functions each year.

The Society sponsors such events as the Bluegrass Ball in celebration of the quadrennial Presidential Inauguration, the Cherry Blossom Ball and a Pre-Kentucky Derby Party. They also host lecture series and receptions that promote Kentucky culture and heritage. Some of the events sponsored by the Society are focused on raising money to support various Kentucky charities.

The Society recognizes the important contributions of nationally prominent Kentuckians through the biennial presentation of the Henry Clay Distinguished Kentuckian Award. Proceeds from the Clay Award Dinner fund scholarships for outstanding Kentucky college students as summer interns in Washington in one of the three branches of the federal government.

The Kentucky Society of Washington continues to strive for the progress and betterment of Kentuckians everywhere.

For more information, go to www.kentuckysociety.org.

Photos By ANDY JONES | Contributing Photographer

Tags: 610 Magnolia, Bluegrass Ball, Four Roses, Maker's Mark, featured, full--image, heaven hill

Category: Cover Stories