Photo by Travis Pratt Inauguration-goers pile into Shady Grove Metro station in Gaithersburg around noon Monday to make their way to Washington for today’s big event.
	Inauguration party MoveOn.org is organizing an Inauguration Day event in Frederick to celebrate Barack Obama's inauguration as president, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at 303 W. Patrick St. "There was an unbelievable groundswell of participation during the campaign around the country, and tonight is our night to celebrate that excitement and accomplishment here in Frederick," Scott and Paris Zlotak, local MoveOn members, said in a press release. Inauguration gathering The United Democrats and supporters of Barack Obama will gather today at Café 611. The cafe, located at 611 N. Market St., will open at 10 a.m. for those who would like to watch the presidential inauguration. In the evening, the United Democrats will gather at the cafe for a celebration, complete with live entertainment.The cafe will close at midnight. — — —

Brunswick Police Chief John Smith said he plans to be on duty well before that hour to make sure people have a smooth journey.

"My concern is getting people in and out of the city safely," he said.

Because a record number of visitors are expected for Inauguration Day, the Maryland Area Rail Commuter system is requiring special tickets into Washington, which sold out early last week.

Smith is worried about the number of cars coming into Brunswick .

The train station has parking for about 500 cars, he said. He hopes that will be enough to handle the visitors. The train station has only one entrance, off Maple Avenue, which causes him a little concern.

"I can't allow the city to close just because these people need a place to park," he said. "I can't allow a fire hazard or a safety hazard."

Smith has asked CSX, the freight train line that goes through Brunswick , and MARC if a second entrance could be added, but so far his request has been ignored. Brunswick gets no help for having to deal with the 500 commuters that go in and out of the community on a daily basis.

Smith will have two officers on duty this morning, along with a lieutenant. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office will also provide two deputies.

"They will get lost and make wrong turns," he said of the visitors. "That I can deal with."

-- Karen Gardner

Traffic monitoring

The Maryland State Highway Administration will monitor traffic in the Washington metropolitan area today as it does during snow storms and hurricanes, according to the SHA website. Anyone who is not attending the inauguration is advised to avoid the Washington region. Unprecedented traffic delays are expected.

People driving to inaugural events should be aware that parking in downtown Washington will be extremely limited and parking lots at Metro stations are likely to fill up quickly. High Occupancy Vehicle Lane restrictions will be in effect today as marked.

If traffic backs up, SHA and Maryland State Police are prepared to close ramps from the Capital Beltway to local roads.

State police will immediately tow vehicles abandoned or illegally parked on state roads or interstates.

SHA will provide information on radio stations, electronic highway signs, local media outlets and at www.marylandroads.com.

Drivers should top off gas tanks and carry maps, an emergency kit and a cell phone.

AAA Mid-Atlantic will station tow trucks and battery and light-service trucks on high volume traffic routes and near metro stations throughout the area today, according to a press release.

What to wear, what to bring

The National Park Service has offered tips on what to wear and what to bring to today's inaugural events on the National Mall.

All visitors to the Mall and the parade route along Pennsylvania Avenue should expect security checks. As many as 1,000 U.S. Park Police will be on duty. Prohibited items on the Mall include fireworks and ammunition, explosives (including fireworks), Laser pointers, alcoholic beverages, and anything else that might threaten security.

A complete list of items prohibited along the parade route is at www.secretservice.gov/presidential_inaugural.shtml

The NPS advises that visitors dress in multiple layers of clothing that can be removed or added as needed; temperature may vary during the day. Visitors will have to stand for long periods and walk to viewing areas so should also wear comfortable waterproof footwear and socks that breathe to keep feet dry.

Anyone who does not have a ticket should decide in advance where they want to go. Everyone should be prepared to walk long distances. Metro trains and buses will run all day, but are expected to be filled to capacity.

Visitors should carry only items they need. Anyone who needs prescription medication is advised to bring enough to last for the day. Temporary first aid stations will be set up on the Mall and along Pennsylvania Avenue, but visitors should not assume those stations will have specific medications.

Parents and other guardians should make sure children carry identification so missing or separated children can be quickly reunited with adults. The identification should include the names of both the child and the parent/guardian, cell and home phone numbers and a home address. Children should be taught whom to speak to if they are lost.

Visitors who wish to bicycle to and from today's events can leave their bikes at either of two bike valets -- one at the Jefferson Memorial Parking lot and one at 16th and K streets downtown -- from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.waba.org for information.

Food will be sold at kiosks on the Mall and along Pennsylvania Avenue. Visitors may bring water and prepared food, but are prohibited from grilling or cooking.