On a night that can only be described as historic, thousands thronged the Century City Hyatt Regency Hotel on Nov. 4, as the Barack Obama Election Night Gala took place.

At least 13,000 well-wishers were expected at the event, which was open and free to the public; however, the massive turnout caused the Los Angeles County Fire Department to arrive to keep the crowd under control.

Although the event was planned to begin at 8 p.m., the ballroom had been filled a full two hours earlier. The festivities raged on past midnight.

Stars Peter Fonda, Joy Bryant and Pierce Brosnan were at the event alongside Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein. Performances that night included Shepard Fairey, Jason Bentley and Jeremy Sole.
Various speakers took the podium throughout the evening, while the crowd excitedly awaited the results. From L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti to comedian Sarah Silverman, all had one message in mind – an Obama administration.

As states began to be called by national media outlets, the cheering in the crowd became progressively louder.

During the middle of Sen. Boxer’s speech, the projectors behind her cut to read the headline “Obama Elected President,” as CNN announced him as the winner.

The roar of the crowd resonated throughout the hotel and carried itself all throughout the city, as revelers carried on the message to the thousands still waiting outside.

The evening then continued on in hurried anticipation for Obama’s victory speech in Grant Park in Chicago.

Huddled together, the entire ballroom broke out in shouts of “Yes, we can!” as the President-Elect gave his speech.

The historic election was clearly outlined in Obama’s speech, as he spoke about the momentous change this election has bought.
“Americans sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America,” said Obama.