‘flying leap’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

DC Metromix has published what they claim is a preliminary schedule of this weekend’s Rally To Restore Sanity, and at first glance it still looks very preliminary:

Pre-Pre Show – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Video montages and music will play on Jumbotrons to entertain the audience

Pre Show – 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

12:00-12:40 – The Roots will play for the crowd

12:40-12:57 – A comedian (TBA) will warm up the crowd

12:57-1:00 – Video countdown and intros

Main Show 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

1:00-1:05 – Singing of the National Anthem by special musical guest (TBA)

1:05-1:20 – Jon Stewart welcomes the crowd

1:20-1:30 – Stephen Colbert enters

1:30-1:35 – Benediction by actor Don Novello (“Father Guido Sarducci”)

1:35-1:40 – Poem reading by actor Sam Waterson (“Law and Order”)

1:40-1:50 – Performance by Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) and Mavis Staples

1:50-2:15 – Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert perform together

2:15-2:20 – Performance by Sheryl Crow

2:20-2:30 – Brief statements from special guests (TBA), both live and taped

2:30-2:40 – Performance by special musical guest (TBA)

2:40-2:50 – Sanity and Fear Awards

2:50-3:00 – Final statements by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert

There’s really not much you can glean from the schedule, still lots of TBAs and of course this outline could change entirely as the week goes on. However I would be really entertained watching the guy from Law and Order read a poem. It beats him trying to get me to buy stocks. Also the idea of Sanity/Fear awards will be a great highlight of the afternoon.

While we imagine what will really unfold Saturday afternoon here’s some things you should think about before heading out this weekend.

The Weather

Current weather reports indicate that it will be a great day to be sane. A forecast of partly sunny in the low-mid 60s will be much more agreeable compared to the freezing temps we braved for The Obama Inauguration. Just remember you can still get sunburnt if you spent all day standing around The Mall exposed to the sun. Don’t forget to protect yourself.

Location & Road Closures

The Rally will be located on The Mall between 3rd St & 7th St and the primary public entrance will be on 7th Street NW between Constitution and Independence Avenues.

There won’t be widespread road closures like the Inauguration, but the roads immediately close to the Rally will be closed:

• 3rd Street NW, 4th Street NW extending from 3rd and 4th Street closures to Constitution on the North and Independence on the South
• Maryland Avenue will be closed between 3rd and Independence
• Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets NW

Of course we would never suggest that you drive to The Rally unless you plan on parking far, far away and paying a meter/garage. Don’t forget that it’s also not a good idea to bike to The Rally since there won’t be many places to lock up your bike.

That makes The Metro one of the best ways to get there besides walking. Unfortunately the Metro will only be running their regular Saturday schedule and you should expect typical weekend track maintenance work delays as well. Plan appropriately and save time by making sure you have round-trip fare on your card before you embark.

The Smithsonian Metro stop should be open on Saturday but I would advise getting off at another near-by stop and walking to The Mall to avoid crowds. Also note that buses will be unloading at RFK, so trains leaving Stadium-Armory will be extra packed.

What To Bring

The Rally FAQ has a comprehensive list of what you can or cannot bring to The Mall. I suggest not forgetting about snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks. There will be Vendors around The Mall but who wants to hunt for a food truck on Constitution and walk all the way back?

What tips do you have to help everybody survive the Sanity? Leave them in the comments and I hope to see you safe and sane this weekend!