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Swearing-In Could Add Up

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Media General News Service

Published: January 11, 2009

WASHINGTON - Attending President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in next week may be free, but the cost of being a part of the inaugural festivities can quickly add up.

Here is an unscientific look at how much two adults and two children might spend over four days in Washington to celebrate Obama's Jan. 20 swearing-in.

These estimates are based on Media General News Service research.

All costs were tallied Dec. 22 and are subject to change.

Lodging

On the cheap: Stay with friends or family, but remember to buy them a nice gift. $50

Willing to spend some dough: Rent a home within walking distance of the Metro with bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate all in Alexandria, Va., or Silver Spring, Md. $2,000.

Just won the lottery: Rent a two-room suite with two queen beds and a kitchen at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Washington within walking distance of Metro, the Kennedy Center and George Washington University. $5,610.50

Travel To Washington

On the cheap: Round-trip cost of driving at current gas prices in an economy car from Raleigh, N.C. $28.04

Willing to spend some dough: Roundtrip Greyhound bus tickets from Raleigh. $224.90

Just won the lottery: Roundtrip airline tickets from Raleigh. $984

Travel In Washington

On the cheap: Shuttle to and from airport, four prepaid, one-day Metro passes and walking. $190.80

Willing to spend some dough: Transportation to and from the airport, four prepaid Obama commemorative one-day Metro passes, walking; and use of one cab a day. $306

Just won the lottery: Transportation to and from the airport, four prepaid Obama commemorative one-day Metro passes, walking, use of at least one cab a day, a rental car and parking. $881.96
Inaugural Balls And Festivities

Most balls do not allow children. Costs below do not include child care fees.

On the cheap: Attend the free welcome event Jan. 18 at the Lincoln Memorial; obtain tickets to the free children's concert Jan. 19 at the Verizon Center; and two tickets to the Obamarama Pre-Inaugural Party on Jan. 17 hosted by the DC Blues Society. $24

Willing to spend some dough: Attend the free welcome event Jan. 18 at the Lincoln Memorial; obtain tickets to the free children's concert Jan. 19 at the Verizon Center; two tickets to the Yes We Did! Celebration Jan. 18 hosted by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, tuxedo rental and purchase of gown. $600

Just won the lottery: Attend the free welcome event Jan. 18 at the Lincoln Memorial; obtain tickets to the free children's concert Jan. 19 at the Verizon Center; two VIP tickets to the Aloha Inaugural Ball on Jan. 18; and two tickets to the two American Music Inaugural events on Jan. 20; purchase of tuxedo and two gowns. $3,328

Entertainment

On the cheap: Visit the Smithsonian museums, monuments and Capitol Visitor Center. Free

Willing to spend some dough: Free attractions plus the International Spy Museum and walking tour of Georgetown. $104

Just won the lottery: Free attractions plus the International Spy Museum, walking tour of Georgetown, Madame Tussauds and Newseum. $206

Souvenirs

On the cheap: Four buttons, "Yes We Did" bumper sticker and five postcards to the folks back home. $21

Willing to spend some dough: Four short-sleeve shirts, two baseball caps, small Obama bobble-head, inauguration canvas bag and Obama hot sauce. $114.88

Just won the lottery: Polo shirt, T-shirt, watch with a picture of the Obama family, framed photo of Obama with quotes from his election night speech, a fleece Obama scarf, five buttons, magnet and two children's T-shirts. $171.63

Food

On the cheap: Buy groceries and eat two meals a day at home and one cheap meal out a day. $257.28

Willing to spend some dough: Eat breakfast at home and eat lunch and dinner on the town. 480.20

Just won the lottery: All meals at restaurants and dinner at fine dining establishments. $784

Total

(from Raleigh)

On the cheap: $571.12

Willing to spend some dough: $3,829.98

Just won the lottery: $11,966.09

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