WASHINGTON -- (AP) Inauguration organizers held a practice parade in Washington to prepare for next week's swearing-in of President Barack Obama.

Stand-ins for the president and first lady watched the practice parade Sunday in Washington. The dress rehearsal closed streets and affected parking near the National Mall.

The public inauguration ceremony will be held Jan. 21 on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. Local officials are planning for an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 people to crowd onto the National Mall to witness the oath-taking ceremony.

After the ceremony, the first family is scheduled to lead a parade of bands, floats and marchers, including costumed dancers, prancing horses and military units, down Pennsylvania Avenue.

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