With graphic T-shirts, buttons and hats, hundreds of Americans in Calgary are celebrating the inauguration of U.S. president-elect Barack Obama next week.
Democrats Abroad Calgary Chapter co-chair Mare Donly said the week leading up to the inauguration Jan. 20 is an exciting one for many in the city.
“It’s been a long time coming, and we’re absolutely thrilled and excited,” Donly said. “It’s nice to see there are a lot of supporters in the city.”
The group is holding an inauguration bash the same night at Kilkenny Irish Pub to celebrate the achievement.
“We expected about 150 the night he was elected and had about 300 show up, so we’re excited about who will come out,” she added.
But ex-Americans aren’t the only Calgarians excited for the inauguration and Obama’s first visit to Canada as president shortly thereafter.
Connor McKeown, of The Rocket Custom T-shirts store on 17th Ave SW, said one of the store’s biggest sellers since the election has been Obama-related anything.
“It’s been really popular; a lot of people come in wanting Obama shirts and stuff. It started before the election and after he won, it became even more popular,” McKeown said.
The Democrats Abroad are partnering with Black History Canada for the Tuesday night celebration.
