Several Inauguration Day watch parties held in Cape Fear area

SOUTHEASTERN NC (WWAY) — Here in the Cape Fear, many people gathered to watch Donald Trump’s inauguration at several watch parties.

In Brunswick County, about 2 dozen people gathered in Leland on Monday to watch Trump’s inauguration.

Henry and Monica Lovell held a party at their house and the couple said it was the first time they ever hosted an inauguration watch party.

Henry said the gathering celebrated both the past and also what the future may hold for the country.

“What our country’s gone through in the last 4 years, I thought it was time to kind of splurge and go all out and hold a party, celebrating the years going forward,” Henry said.

Henry is a retired Capitol Police officer who worked during several inaugurations.

He said he was not disappointed to see Trump move his inauguration indoors, as he understood the decision was made due to the weather conditions.

In New Hanover County, the GOP held a watch party at a Wilmington restaurant.

Dozens of people showed up, cheering as President Trump walked out and delivered his inaugural address.

John Hinnant ran for county commissioner last October.

He said he hopes Trump will be able to bring the country together.

“I want to see a lot, I want to hear about patriotic unity,” Hinnant said. “I want to see our country heal from the divisiveness we’ve had for the last 12, 16 years. And so I’d really like to see him talk about patriotic unity. Let’s work together for the benefit of our country.”

Some local elected officials, including County Commissioner Dane Scalise and Board of Education member Pat Bradford,, attended the viewing party.