For Immediate Release
January 6, 2009

Congressional Inaugural Committee Issues 2nd Inaugural Advisory: Information for Parents with Young Children

Washington, DC—The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) is issuing its second in a series of advisories to help people who plan to attend the swearing-in ceremony. The following is a special alert for people who will have tickets to the swearing-in on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol who are considering bringing young children.

Each person attending the Inaugural Swearing-in Ceremonies within the ticketed areas must possess their own ticket. This includes children, with the exception of infants too young to walk. This includes both the seated and standing areas.

Strollers, baby carriages, backpacks and other large bags are prohibited within the ticketed areas. These prohibitions are for space, security and logistical reasons as every purse or bag entering the grounds will need to be hand searched.

Parents should also be aware that the West Front of the Capitol is entirely outdoors—there will be no tents or other covered areas in case of inclement weather; the only restrooms are porta-potties; and there will be no refreshment stands.

Inauguration day is typically cold—normally 37° F at noon—and occasionally wet. 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.

All persons attending the inaugural swearing-in ceremonies should be prepared to wait in long lines to be screened through security, and spend many hours outdoors, both before the event and for the length of time it may take for people to leave the Capitol grounds following the end of the ceremonies.

People who plan to watch the event from the non-ticketed National Mall may bring strollers and other items that are prohibited in the ticketed areas. For more information about what to expect on the National Mall, please visit the website of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, www.PIC2009.org.

The JCCIC will provide regular updates of this information to the media and via its website www.inaugural.senate.gov.

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