From the moment Barack Obama was declared President-elect, I began thinking about the possibility of attending his Inauguration. I searched the Internet and found dozens of sites offering tickets to the swearing in ceremony and the Inaugural parade. Prices ranged from a low of $516 and soared into the thousands. Nix that idea, I thought.
Then I came across an online article from the Associated Press, the source of which was Destination DC and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Apparently hotels are already nearly sold out throughout Washington, D.C., so anyone wishing to attend the Inauguration or its associated events needs to book NOW! Check out the various options for D.C. accommodations at UpTake.com.
With regard to transportation the article had the following to say:
“Many streets downtown and around the National Mall will be closed on Inauguration Day, so plan to use public transportation whenever possible. Your best options include Metrorail and Metrobus and the DC Circulator bus. You can avoid waiting in line in Metro stations by pre-purchasing all-day Metro passes online. Be aware that security is heightened. For example, your bags might be checked on Metro and Amtrak trains.”
And with regard to tickets:
“Tickets to the inauguration ceremony are free — but sure to be scarce — and will be distributed through members of Congress in January. Contact your senator or representative to request a ticket. Congressional offices will get the tickets about a week before the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony; in-person pickup is required. Be wary of any Web site or broker claiming to sell tickets; Congress is the only way to go.”
Now all I have to do is somehow ingratiate myself with a Senator or Congressman. Suggestions, anybody?
