we know most dc’ers aren’t from the area, so getting to experience a little bit of home is a nice treat. enter: state societies. i’m originally from chicago and just recently found out about the illinois state society. illinois’ is actually the oldest one, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. i attended the anniversary reception and it was a hoot. it’s basically a group of people who are from or have some tie to illinois — and that’s about it. but it was enough to make for an interesting evening.

amongst hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, i witnessed a gathering of politicians, business people, socialites, innocent by-standers and a photo op of past state society presidents — some of whom are in their 80’s now. they also talked about the cherry blossom “princesses” — college girls elected to represent each state and participate in dc’s festivities. oh, and the big upcoming night is the inauguration. most of the state societies will hold a ball on the night of the inauguration — the most popular one by far this year will be texas’ “black tie and boots” ball. a pretty cool excuse to get dressed up and dance the night away (if you didn’t get your fill during new years).

i’m sending mixed messages — slightly sarcastic, but so far the state societies look like fun. if you want to celebrate st. patrick’s day chicago-style, then the illinois state society is where it’s at. if you’re from minnesota, how could you pass up a traditional walleye pike dinner? hawai’in — a luau? louisianan — a crawfish boil? and many more.

check out what your state society is up to (including dc, american samoa, guam, puerto rico, and the usvi).