The telephones at Congressman Danny Davis's office are ringing off the hook with people wanting to go to the inauguration ceremony.
"I have never seen anything like it. It is like Obama-mania...we may get 200 tickets. I have 7,000 requests...I may use a lottery," said Rep. Danny Davis, (D) Chicago and west suburbs.
A retired brother and sister from the Chicago area say they want to witness the inauguration of the United States' first African-American president and set an example for their families.
"We just want to get to Washington, D.C. If we have tickets to the inauguration, that is fine we just want to be there," said William Townsend.
They are hoping the congressman can supply them with transportation and accommodations. And they are willing to pay to attend the inauguration.
"If it is not too costly, we are willing to pay the price. It is worth it," said Lilly Townsend-Fox.
Tennille Evans says she wants to take her daughter with her to Washington and will go even if she cannot get tickets
"It's history in the making, and I'm glad to be able to live to see it and my daughter to be able to share a part in this historic event. I'm willing to sacrifice," said Evans.
Tickets are already selling on the internet for thousands of dollars, with brokers claiming they have them. But buyer beware, the tickets will not be handed out until January.
Senator Dianne Feinstein of California is writing a bill that would make it a federal crime to scalp tickets to the inauguration.
"It is the most coveted ticket I've ever heard of in my life. But it's also good, because it's an indication of the kind of interest, the hopefulness that's in America," Davis said.
There are also a number of inaugural balls being planned. One is already sold out, the $200-a-person ticket to the Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball.
The Illinois inaugural balls are still in the works. Many are planned by non-for-profits, which is how they make money for their organizations. Obama will be stopping at a many of those parties.
