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Gubernatorial Inauguration 2007

Steven L. Beshear was sworn in as Kentucky’s 61st governor shortly after midnight on December 11, 2007, kicking off a day of celebration and ceremony in Frankfort. In addition to a public swearing-in ceremony, Inauguration Day activities included a parade, a reception, and several balls.

KET provided extensive live coverage of the day’s events both on the air and online, and a Kentucky Life inauguration special will air this weekend. In addition, host Bill Goodman visited the new governor and his wife at home for an expanded edition of One to One.

Inauguration Day Coverage

All of our Inauguration 2007 coverage is available for online viewing; click on the title to watch that segment (Windows Media® or RealVideo® format).

• Inaugural Parade
  Part 1 (1:01) | Part 2 (51 min.) | Part 3 (1:02) | Segment Details »
  KET’s Bill Goodman and Renee Shaw and Ron Bryant of the Kentucky Historical Society host coverage of the parade through downtown Frankfort, on the theme of “Kentucky First.” The more than 150 participants include high school marching bands, equestrian units, elected officials, and honor guards.
• Inaugural Prelude (29 min.)
  Musical performances by the Paducah Symphony Children’s Choir and the 202nd Kentucky National Guard Band.
• Swearing-In Ceremony (1:19)
  Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo and Gov. Steve Beshear, officially sworn in shortly after midnight in a private ceremony, repeat their oaths of office and address the crowd. The ceremony also includes musical performances by University of Kentucky music professor Everett McCorvey, soprano Joanna Mongiardo, the 202nd Kentucky National Guard Band, and the Eastern High School Chorale; remarks by Dawson Springs mayor Stacia Peyton, Franklin County Judge-Executive Ted Collins, and Frankfort mayor William I. May Jr.; and a benediction by Rev. Dr. Kevin W. Cosby of St. Stephen Church in Louisville. Thomas L. Preston presides.
• The Grand March (40 min.)
  The governor, lieutenant governor, legislative leaders, state constitutional officers, and other dignitaries kick off the evening balls in a procession at the Capitol. Emceed by Nick Lawrence, the march features music by the Lexington Philharmonic under the direction of George Zack.
• Highlights (57 min.)
  Scenes from the day’s activities as captured by KET’s cameras.

Related Specials

• One to One
  Host Bill Goodman visits with incoming Gov. and first lady Steve and Jane Beshear at their Clark County farm for a conversation on topics ranging from farm life to priorities for Kentucky’s future.
  Watch the Video | Series Web Site »
• Kentucky Life Inauguration Special
  Dave Shuffett gets a behind-the-scenes look at the parade and other inauguration activities and talks to participants and spectators about the day’s events.
  Series Web Site »

KET’s Inauguration 2007 coverage was produced by Deidre Clark and directed by Carl Babcock. Mike Brower was executive producer.