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December 06, 2008
Inaugural No-Nos: Strollers, Coolers, Backpacks and More
Inaugural No-Nos: Strollers, Coolers, Backpacks and More
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has posted on its Web site a number of tips to keep in mind for those planning on attending the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony and parade. Among the list of items banned from the festivities are baby strollers, coolers, backpacks, thermoses, umbrellas and signs. Source for list.
What to Wear
There is no official dress code for the swearing-in ceremonies.
It is typically cold on Inauguration Day—normally 37°F—and often wet. Expect to be outside for more than three hours, to stand in line, and to walk for long periods of time. Dress in layers and wear a winter coat. Consider wearing comfortable shoes, gloves, a hat and a scarf, and bringing a blanket.
In the event of rain, umbrellas will not be permitted within the security perimeter. It is recommended that attendees bring ponchos or rain coats.
Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
Weather
The Swearing-in Ceremony is an outdoor event held on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Inauguration day is typically cold—normally 37° F at noon—and occasionally wet.
Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system. A vast majority of attendees will be in standing room sections and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours.
Attendees should check the local weather forecast for Inauguration Day and plan accordingly.
In the event of rain, umbrellas will not be permitted within the security perimeter. It is recommended that attendees bring ponchos or rain coats.
Children
There are no childcare facilities provided to attendees. Due to increased security and space constraints, strollers are not permitted on the Capitol grounds.
Restrooms
Outdoor, portable restrooms are located throughout the U.S. Capitol grounds.
Security All ticket holders are required to pass through security screening, including handbag inspection.
Food and Drink
Food, beverages, and other amenities are not available within the ceremony perimeter. Do not bring any food item larger than a small snack. Thermoses are prohibited.
Traffic
Large crowds are expected for the Swearing-in ceremonies, the Inaugural parade, and other festivities. Expect heavy traffic and road closings. Use the Metro.
Parking
No parking will be available on Capitol Hill. Public parking in Washington, D.C. will be extremely limited. If you are traveling by car from outside the city, park in a lot near a Metro station and take Metro into Washington. Expect heavy traffic and road closures.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
Firearms and ammunition (either real or simulated)
Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
Knives, blades, or sharp objects (of any length)
Mace and/or pepper spray
Sticks or poles
Pockets or hand tools, such as “Leatherman”
Packages
Backpacks
Large bags
Duffel bags
Suitcases
Thermoses
Coolers
Strollers
Umbrellas
Laser pointers
Signs
Posters
Animals (other than service animals)
Alcoholic beverages
Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners
Wild Thing's comment........
Here are some other items they forgot to mention that won't be bringing. ..... brains, decency, patriotism, a paycheck.
Look at the weapons in the list. I guess with the massive crowd they are expecting they need to list all that stuff.
Posted by Wild Thing at December 6, 2008 03:47 AM
Comments
What about those in wheelchairs? How about purses and briefcases? It's gonna look like that scene in the Mummy movie where the zombies were marching down the street crying "Imhotep, Imhotep" over and over again and going after Brendan Fraser and his crew. The wide eyed, dumb as they come crowd, the easily led lemmings are gonna be crying and acting like immature babies. I don't even know if I'll watch it on tv on the news.
Posted by: Lynn at December 6, 2008 06:53 AM
Brains, decency, patriotism, a paycheck..."Imhotep, Imhotep"...LOL...how true
Posted by: James M at December 6, 2008 07:17 AM
Well if everything is to be right for this festive event, this abortion on wheels. Where are they going to put the homeless, afterall they are the ones who voted at least 6 times in Ohio so this Usurper can take the oath of office, while not being a Natural Citizen.
Why can't they bring their 'shopping-carts'? This is going to be the biggest sham since Carter walked to the White House.
Posted by: Mark at December 6, 2008 11:34 AM
Call me a party pooper, but I just can't get myself to celebrate the inauguration of the first affirmative-action President who may, or may not, be a natural born citizen that meets all of the few constitutional requirements for the job.
This inauguration sounds like an expensive security nightmare for the police and security people who must be concerned about a Mumbai-like attack and panic that it would cause with such a large crowd that needs a long laundry list of prohibited items that they can't have. There are estimates of upwards of 5 million people in DC the inauguration week. How many police and security people are needed 24/7 for that task?
I am not surprised that none of the regular chronic complaining Democrats, Obama team & supporters, and the MSM who have been accusing Republicans and conservatives of racism throughout the campaign haven't said anything about this Prohibited Items list which is obviously aimed at the disproportionate amount of African-Americans expected to be at the inauguration. The word "hypocrite" comes to mind.
Posted by: Les at December 6, 2008 01:36 PM
There goes the neighborhood!
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at December 6, 2008 04:31 PM
God forbid a mother with an infant in a stroller while pushing it runs over Obama or a police officer with the stroller while pushing it. This whole celebration is no more than a joke. To bad we have to pay for this charade.
Posted by: Bob A at December 6, 2008 05:30 PM
Lynn, good point abouto the wheelchairs.
I have no idea what the past was like regarding this. But I would bet they added a lot more restrictions this time considering the people that might be attending. Just a guess though.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 6, 2008 06:05 PM
James, heh heh....thank you.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 6, 2008 06:06 PM
Mark, great description..." abortion on wheels".
Good point about the homeless too. Yes they voted and their shopping carts would not be allowed oh wait they weren't on the no list.
What a freaking mess.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 6, 2008 06:09 PM
Les, LOL we are all "party poopers" for this.
I will be in a nice warm house, fireplace going and candles burning and the smell of cookies in the oven. As I watch this circus on TV.
Then I will cry I am positive of that.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 6, 2008 06:12 PM
Darth, LOL yes big time.
I feel sorry for the place, our Capitol and how so many of these people attending will not give a hoot about it's history, landmarks, monuments or anything else about it. It is disgusting beyond words.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 6, 2008 06:16 PM
Bob A., I agree it is very sad that this is happening and we are all paying for it.
They could care less about our country.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 6, 2008 06:19 PM
