Coping with millions in D.C. for inauguration

Three days before Barack Obama stands on the Capitol steps and places his hand on Lincoln's Bible, the president-elect will board a train in Philadelphia and begin a well-scripted journey via Baltimore to the center of Washington, D.C.

Many hoping to share in Obama's historic Jan. 20 inauguration — an estimated 1 million to 5 million people may attend — will not have such a comfortable journey.

With people booking hotel rooms as far away as Philadelphia (140 miles northeast of Washington) and Richmond, Virginia (105 miles due south), the crowd converging for the swearing in of the 44th president is sure to bring the city to a standstill.

"The more you can prepare to be on your feet all day, dressed warmly, and be prepared to fend for yourself, the better," said Rebecca Pawlowski, communications director for Destination DC, the city's tourism office.

The inauguration is the center of a days-long celebration of unprecedented proportions: Obama and Vice President-elect Joseph Biden will host an afternoon welcoming event on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18; volunteers will take part in a day of community service throughout the region Jan. 19; and formal balls and casual parties begin Friday, Jan. 16, and continue through Inauguration Night on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Thousands of people are at work on everything from the parade route to portable toilet placement. Strict security measures prohibit ticketed guests from bringing coolers, backpacks, strollers, umbrellas and many other items into the restricted areas near the Capitol and the parade viewing stands. The city is issuing 500 additional vendor licenses, in hopes street food will be plentiful. Yet no one can know exactly how smoothly things will go for what is expected to be the largest gathering in Washington's history.

And then there's the weather, which can often be rainy or snowy, with an average temperature for Jan. 20 of 37 degrees.

"We're used to big crowds," said Kenny Burns, a guide who has led tours in the capital for more than 20 years. "But with even 3 or 4 million people, this is going to be interesting. You can't camp out on the Mall all night. You can't camp out on Pennsylvania Avenue. So you're going to have a lot of people descending on the Mall at 7 and 8 a.m."

Yet Obama's campaign of hope and change has inspired many who wouldn't miss the chance to see the nation's first African-American president sworn into office. Burns, who has stayed at home in the suburbs during past inaugurations, is eager to forge into the fray this time.

"When Dr. King gave his speech, I was outside playing football, and I've always regretted that," Burns said. "For this inauguration, I said I want to be down there."

For those coming from farther afield, just finding a place to sleep has become a historic undertaking. Many D.C. hotels were booked within days of Obama's election, and some hotels more than two hours from the city are charging $699 a night, with a five-night minimum. That's right: $3,495 plus tax for a basic hotel room you will spend little time in. The Ritz-Carlton in McLean, Va., 10 miles from the Mall, is offering a Presidential Package with VIP perks for $75,000. And scalpers have been auctioning hotel reservations on eBay and craigslist.

The point, though, is to be in position near the Capitol by 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 20 when the United States Marine Band will sound the start of the official swearing-in ceremony.

Organizers are urging people to take public transportation. Single-day Metro passes are available for advance purchase, and subway trains will begin running at 4 a.m. that morning. However, the Congressional Inaugural Committee has warned of "crush-level" crowds on the subway, with long waits for trains.

Destination DC tourism officials are hoping visitors will be able to move around enough to take in special inauguration events and everyday sights. Destination DC's Web site, www.washington.org, lists dozens of balls hosted by state and special interest groups that are open to the public for a price. Information about the 10 official balls, to which public access is often difficult, is at www.pic2009.org. There also will be a neighborhood ball, hosted by the new president, on the night of Jan. 20 with free or affordable tickets.

The Destination D.C. site also details special inauguration cocktails served around the city, and has compiled a list of "44 Free and Affordable Inauguration Experiences," including the "Civil War to Civil Rights" heritage trail, a $3.60 chili dog at Ben's Chili Bowl, or simply standing on the Lincoln Memorial steps, site of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.