WATERLOO - A historic inauguration calls for the swankiest of affairs, and party organizers at the Talk Shop Cafe intend to live up to lofty expectations.

For those not able to secure a ticket to the real thing, a pre-inaugural ball will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the community center, 1015 E. Fourth St. Tickets are $25 for individuals and $40 for couples. Formal dress is requested.

"We will celebrate the most important event in American history," said David Goodson, a community organizer who owns of the cafe. "African-Americans have come so far from a history so tainted with violence, exploitation, domination. It's truly a historic event."

Proceeds from the ball will go to the cafe and Social Action Inc., two nonprofits run by Goodson. For more information, contact Tavis Hall at (319) 230-2767 or Goodson at (319) 504-1997.

The one-woman decorating committee, Joyce Wilder Marshall, said she was instructed to transform the room. She said she immediately knew just what to do.

"I used to decorate the KBBG banquets every year," Marshall said of the local public radio station. "I've been waiting for something like this."

Her vision starts with the entrance: The center will be decked out with two pillars as soon as party-goers walk in, a move intended to evoke the White House.

The room will boast a black and silver color scheme, icicle lights will ring the walls and each table will include a vase with floating candles and goldfish as a centerpiece.

Overhead, streamers will hang from the ceiling. There will even be a place for people to take photos with a background of memorabilia from President-elect Barack Obama's campaign.

"Ours is probably going to be more dressed up than the White House, OK?" said Wilder. "We want people to feel elegant. Not too busy, busy, but nice enough to make people comfortable."

Contact Jens Manuel Krogstad at (319) 291-1580 or jens.krogstad@wcfcourier.com.