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Image courtesy of Wikimedia
Update - Thanks to DC Event Planning Examiner Caneil for showing me her Inauguration Party Ideas article, something everyone should check out when planning for the big day!
People have thought of DC as a circus before - namely the two-ringed circus that is Congress. But the sh*t's. About. To get. Real. Expert opinions seem to believe that the inroads into DC simply won't be able to support the five-million person infusion that is expected over the middle of January, and it doesn't seem possible that the infrastructure will be able to support them. But my guess is that even if the number never reaches five million, it will seem like it. So. I'll offer some strategies to help you cope.
1) Just Stay In
OK, so you've managed to fanagle some wide-eyed change agent out of five grand to stay in your stripped-down apartment for the week, while you and ten others camp out in a co-worker's Courthouse apartment. But thousands are camped out in Virginia. What is already a congested commute will be almost impassable on inauguration day. Of course, with so many extras, you're bound to have other friends staying in NoVa. Why not have a party and watch the whole thing on TV? It might still be crowded, but nowhere near what the Mall will be. Plus, you'll be able to find a bathroom and eat and drink as you please. You live in DC; you'll get as much Barack as you can Believe in over the next four years. Throw your own party, and leave Inauguration to the ameteurs.
2) See the Mess, Don't be the Mess
As long as you don't get swept away in the crowds, though, they may be something to be experienced firsthand. For a little while. Why not take advantage of the longer bar hours and try to get, if not in on the action, at least a front-row seat? Bars have to stop serving alcohol at 5 am, so it's likely that crowds will have thinned in them by 6. A good night's sleep the night before and an early start may promise you a great seat in a DC pub, where the sidewalks outside will be packed in every direction from the capitol. Obviously, the most popular bars will be the hardest to get into, as well as those closest the Hill and the White House. A great out-of-the-way spot is Trusty's Full Service at 1420 Pennsylvania Ave in SE DC. It's location between the Eastern Market and Patomac Ave. Metros keeps it from getting too packed, and who knows? Once you've seen the Oilcan lamps, had one of their bratwursts, and played a couple of games of "Trouble" over very economical beers, you may find your new favorite place.
3) What the Heck, Just Go!
So the crowds will be impermeable. So you don't know what to expect for security. So you won't be able to find food or a drink, and certainly not a bathroom. You're going to be tired, and probably muddy, by the end of the day. But then again, this is the most important leader the United States has elected in a very long time. This will be huge. Woodstock Huge. "I have a Dream" huge. Garth Brooks plays free in Central Park huge. Bring some water bottles and candy bars and you can tell your grandkids about it. See you down there!
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