Obama Contest to Offer Prized Tickets to Inauguration
Inauguration tickets may have vanished from congressmen's offices long ago, but the Presidential Inaugural Committee has announced that supporters have another chance to make it to Washington to see Barack Obama's swearing-in—if they're both lucky and eloquent.
In an E-mail to supporters, the PIC announced that it will send 10 people and one guest each to Washington, put them up in a hotel, and get them into the ceremony. The winners will be picked between now and midnight on January 8.
There's just one hitch: Contestants have to write an essay answering the question "What does this inauguration mean to you?" Winners are to be selected based on the "strength of their essay."
Officially, contestants are supposed to make a donation of $5 or more to the committee. That's important, the PIC says, because Obama isn't funding this inauguration with money from lobbyists or corporations, "unlike past inaugurations."
But all isn't lost for those reeling from the recession. The fine print says that there's no purchase necessary, meaning supporters can still enter the contest without a contribution.
- See a map of the inaugural festivities.
- Read about the inaugural events.
- Read about the number of people expected in Washington for the inauguration.
- Read about the history of inaugurations.
- Read tourist tips for Washington, D.C.
- Take a quiz on inaugural trivia.
Reader Comments
Brack Obama
I think u will be the best black president ever because u want to chang alot
U MADE HISTORY FOR US LUV U !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Student with perfect attendance wrote Winning Essay to attend the Inauguration
I am writing on behalf of my daughter,a 6th grade student at Hickory Middle School (Chesapeake, VA). Sha has perfect attendance (K- present). An essay detailing her love of history and specifically presidential biographies garnered her a bus trip to the inauguration. Her request includes the accompaniment of her favorite teacher. Presently, her Chesapeake school will not allow her to count this honor as a special school field trip. I am not sure telling her story would help, but hopefully if the right person reads the story (maybe a school board member) it may help. Regardless of the outcome, Milan will not miss this historical event. Bleacher seats or even the much coveted-inaugural tickets would enhance this experience for her, and help ease the pain of the perfect attendance that she is sacrificing.
contest for inaugaration ticts
"Obama People's Have a Crush on Me"
I have never voted in my life. Atage 61, I voted for the fist time. It took Obama to stir up my soul enough to care. FINALLY a change is gonna come!!! I was truly.."Born by a river.. in a little ole tent and just like that river..I've been rollin ever since..It's been a long time..but surly a change is gonna come!!" Praise The Lord!!
Born in the opressed South...I never thouht there was a way out, but truly .. never say die!
I'm as poor as you come..no job, no savings, no pention, no retirement, and worst...no health care. So to me...Obama is the light at the end of my tunnel.
On Nov 4, Election night there was no where I wanted to be than at Ebinizer Baptist Church for "Watch Night:An Election Prayer Rally" I stood out side waiting to get in the church for hours. I was at the front of the crowd right at the front doors. When they opened the doors the crowd crushed me against the front of the church. Paramedics came because I was in such pain. Mywhole chest hurt severely. They said I did not have any broken ribs, brused torn ligaments between my rib bones. I could have taken a seat down front in the church but was in such pain I had to go home and get in bed. I missed the whole night. I would love tickets to the inauguration to make up missing such an important night. So I have a crush on Obama and his people have a crush on me!!!"
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