For those of you who plan on attending the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in January , there are a few things that you may want or need to know before making those big plans. I’m sure that the event will be as breath taking as it is promised to be but what kind of “breath taking” are we talking about?

Lets start with security. This time around security measures will be much more intense than those of years past. One could debate the reasons why. Perhaps it’s a racial issue or maybe it is due to the outrageously high number of terrorist attacks and threats over the past few years. Regardless of the reason, there isn’t a point in debating it.

Yesterday it was announced by the communications director for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, Carole Florman, that this year the security measures will be put into full effect and no exceptions will be made.

Aside from the obvious things such as firearms, explosive, knives and other harmful weapons there were a few things on the list of “no no’s” that some people find a bit ridiculous. This is a historical event so there will be cameras allowed but what about a fold up chair or a stroller? Nope, cross those things off of your list. There will be nothing that is made of metal or hard plastic allowed. No strollers, no chairs and lets hope it isn’t raining because there are no umbrellas allowed at the event either. A few other things on the list that most would find to be innocent and acceptable are coolers and backpacks. Anything that takes up a “large” amount of space will be forbidden. Florman was quoted saying “unfortunately this is not a festival” as she expressed her concerns with screening hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The committee has also sent out warnings that people attending should expect to stand for several hours in a very small space with limited room to move around and “strech“. Parking will not be easy to find. It is more than likely that attendees will have to find a place to park outside of the city and metro in. The average weather in January is said to be around 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit so attendee’s will definitely need to dress warm and as comfortable as possible.

I would hope that anyone that is planning to attend already knows this BUT you MUST have tickets to get in. This is not a “out in the open “ or “fun for all” event. Most of the time live events are the best but this one sounds more like one I will have to see in the comfort of my nice warm house on my sofa with access to whatever I want or need at my fingertips. Witnessing a historical event is understandably something that many people want to do . However, take time to think about what you are getting into. If you think you are going to be able to get in with a small backpack or a tiny umbrella you are sadly mistaken and it will be a total waste of a day for you. As I stated above the committee has made it very clear that there will be NO exceptions to the rules and all security measures that are put in place must be followed