The 2009 Presidential Inauguration

Countdown to the 2009 Presidential Inauguration

WASHINGTON, DC (AP) -- Tickets to inaugural balls and other events related to the January 20 Presidential Barack Obama Inauguration will be hard to come by, but you can always join the crowds along the parade route, and Washington tourism officials say it's not impossible to find a place to stay. Hundreds of thousands of people always gather along Pennsylvania Avenue to watch the procession from the Capitol to the White House after the Swearing-in ceremony. You'll likely see marching bands and floats no matter where you stand, but you're not guaranteed a glimpse of the president and his family. Only bleacher seats require tickets.
Be prepared for cold weather. According to the weather forecast temperatures on January 20th will run in the mid 30's (max). Luckily this year the temperature won't dip below freezing as it did in 11 of the past 16 years, and only once did it go as high as 60.
The official Washington tourism agency, Destination DC, advises that hotels do still have some rooms available, but they require a three to four-night minimum stay and prepayment. If you're trying to book online, entering information for a one- or two-night stay for Jan. 19-20 may not yield results. Rand McNally has a limited edition President Barack Obama Inaugural FabMap. Use code THANKS2U for 25% off. . Wear a Piece of History! Get Your Obama T-Shirt from CafePress.