Inauguration fever begins its rise today, when President-elect Barack Obama makes the first of many appearances when he hits downtown Baltimore to make a speech.More than 100,000 people are expected to show up in Charm City, but that number pales in comparison with what lies ahead. Conservative estimates place attendance for Tuesday's inauguration at 1.5 million. As many as 3 million or 4 million people may attend, and Frederick will feel the ripple effects of that crowd.
Many out-of-towners are staying in area hotels and hundreds -- if not thousands -- of county residents will be heading to D.C. Even if you're not making the trek, there will be both planned and impromptu celebrations around Frederick .
For the inauguration, The Frederick News-Post will have at least two reporters and two photographers in Washington, plus we'll have coverage from around Frederick , at places where folks will be taking in the inauguration festivities. Got something planned? Tell us. Just send an e-mail to citydesk@newspost.com.
Over the next few days, in addition to what you'll find in The News-Post's print edition, we'll have as much coverage of the historic day as you can handle on the web at Frederick newspost.com/inauguration.
There will be a special Inauguration Day section in the paper Sunday, which will also be available for sale separately if you want extra copies to keep for a collection of some sort. (Hey, you could put it on eBay!)
As part of our web coverage, we've got slide shows and videos, including an inside look at the Cozy Restaurant in Thurmont , where many presidents have dined through the years.
On Inauguration Day, check the web for the latest traffic alerts (e-mail assistant city editor Cliff Cumber at ccumber@newspost.com if you're stuck in early morning traffic), weather and, yes, all the day's big events, from the swearing-in ceremony to the parade and more.
Daily 5
On Thursday, we will launch a new weekday video spot called "Daily 5."
Think of the "Daily 5" as a quick tour of all the news you need to know to get through your day. When you tune in, you'll get all this news in less than two minutes.
The video is delivered in a countdown format and will include everything from local events to entertainment news, celebrity gossip and must-see TV.
New online blogs, columns
A couple of new bloggers and columnists have come on board in recent weeks. All blogs can be found here, fredericknewspost.com/blogs; all online-only columns can be found here, fredericknewspost.com/online_exclusives.
New staff blogs include:
Front Row, Center -- Editorial assistant Adrienne Lawrence will write reviews on stage productions and will also post information on upcoming productions. On the Road -- Features reporter Ron Cassie shares interesting things found along his travels. Straight Sports -- Sports reporter Greg Swatek on all things sports, from the local prep scene to the latest NFL news. What's for Dinner? -- Every weekday morning, food editor Teresa Bell-Stockman takes a stab at the answer to one of life's most persistent questions.New citizen blogs include:
Age Sage -- Jim Rogers blogs about issues that are important to seniors. Herb Talk -- Liz Bartlett is an herbalist and nutritionist, and she blogs about her deep love of herbs. Stuck in the Middle -- Doris Pavlichek blogs about midlife, infused with humor and wonder.New online columnists include:
The Political Nut -- Tommy Gross focuses on local and national politics. Teenage Tales, the life of a HS Senior -- Walkersville High School senior Amy Brakebill offers a peek into her life.
