They say that a President's second inauguration is always more mellow that the first, but if last Friday's Grand Opening of the swag-filled Inauguration Store is any indication then this year might be a break with tradition. Thanks to reader Andrea who sent in some photos while also managing to survive the crowds that she describes as, "a semi-frenzied sardine can of bodies and media equipment" without losing any body parts. The emcee for the event was Obama for America Press Secretary Ben LaBolt and the National's version of Abe Lincoln even stopped by to say hello. This every-four-years-tradition is right next to Metro Center and will remain open until January 24, but if you can't make it in person there's always the online store that has plenty of buttons, totes, more buttons, shot glasses, sweatshirts, onesies, and anything else you can put an emblem on. Got any more pictures of the preparations for next Monday? Send them to dc@curbed.com (and we can keep you anonymous if you prefer).
· 2013 Inauguration Store [Official Site]