'Everyday Americans' Invited to Whistle Stop Tour

President-elect Barack Obama has invited a group of "everyday Americans" to join him and Vice President-elect Joe Biden on their Whistle Stop Tour to Washington on the Saturday before Inauguration Day.

Obama's presidential inaugural committee announced the plans for the Philadelphia-to-Washington train ride on Wednesday, adding another element to the expanding horizon of parties and events associated with Obama's and Biden's oath taking Jan. 20 at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.

His aides released a list of 18 people who were invited for the trip.

"Each one of these families has their own remarkable story to add to our American story, and we're thrilled they've agreed to join us as we travel to Washington," said Josh Earnest, a spokesman for the inaugural committee.

Ten inaugural balls also are being arranged for the night of Jan. 20, including a "People's Ball" at the Washington Convention Center.

The tour will start with an event in Philadelphia Jan. 18 and stop for events in Wilmington, Delaware, and Baltimore, en route to the capital city.