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Inaugural Parade a 'Staggering' Challenge

'Nobody has ever worried about where to put 10,000 buses before,' says Obama planner

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 7, 2009 12:54 PM CST
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(Newser) – The inauguration of Barack Obama will be a historic occasion, but some involved have other things on their minds, USA Today reports. “Nobody has ever worried about where to put 10,000 buses before,” said Peter Gage, an aide charged with planning the Jan. 20 Inaugural Parade. Some 13,000 will march, 3 million could attend, and tight security measures will be in effect.

But Gage is more concerned with the 200,000 to 300,000 who will line the parade route. Though some marchers are locked in—such as Illinois’ World Famous Lawn Rangers—which group will lead is still up in the air. And Gage wants to do right by the people: “This is not our event. It is the country’s event, and you don’t want to let the country down.”

The US Capitol is seen through scaffolding used to support bleacher seats along Pennsylvania Avenue.
The US Capitol is seen through scaffolding used to support bleacher seats along Pennsylvania Avenue.   (AP Photo)
A view of Ronald Reagan's 1981 Inauguration.
A view of Ronald Reagan's 1981 Inauguration.   (AP Photo)
A cut-out representing the White House marks the 40-by-40 foot map used to plan the movements for military units involved in the Inauguration.
A cut-out representing the White House marks the 40-by-40 foot map used to plan the movements for military units involved in the Inauguration.   (AP Photo)
A cut-out representing the United States Capitol marks a spot on the 40-by-40 foot map used to plan the movements for military units involved in the presidential Inauguration.
A cut-out representing the United States Capitol marks a spot on the 40-by-40 foot map used to plan the movements for military units involved in the presidential Inauguration.   (AP Photo)
Workers construct the inaugural platform at the west front of the Capitol in Washington.
Workers construct the inaugural platform at the west front of the Capitol in Washington.   (AP Photo)
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Barack Obama • Washington DC • inauguration • marching bands • President Obama • Inauguration Day • inaugural parade • logistics

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