Strickland's is not the longest, or costliest event

Gov. Ted Strickland's inauguration was the first held outdoors since 1991. Despite a steady drizzle, at least 4,000 people, including more than 500 in reserved seats near a temporary portico, crowded the West Lawn of the Statehouse.

The last three inaugural ceremonies, involving Bob Taft and George Voinovich, were forced into the Ohio Theatre because of lousy weather.

Taft's first inaugural in 1999 lasted three days and included three balls. Nearly $1.5 million was raised privately to pay for it. Taft's last celebration in 2003 was pared down to $500,000 and one day.

Strickland's two-day festivities began with a leadership dinner Friday night. More than $1 million has been raised privately to pay for all events. Randy Borntrager, acting executive director of the Ohio Democratic Party, said a complete list of donors will be made public later this month.

Taft used his first inaugural address to promote OhioReads, promising to double the program’s reading tutors from 10,000 to 20,000 volunteers.

Taft’s second inaugural speech in 2003 plugged a $500 million Third Frontier bond issue and the need to focus on higher education issues. At the time, the Republican governor was facing his third budget deficit in two years.

Angela Pace, a former television anchor with WBNS-Channel 10, and now its public affairs director, pointed out that Strickland is the first governor to incorporate a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration into his inauguration.

“Ohio is celebrating the diversity of its state,” Pace said.
Hundreds of red, white and blue cupcakes were handed out afterward.
“I was up all night baking them,” Pace joked.

Strickland's celebration, titled, "Uniting Ohioans to Turn Around Ohio," concludes with a black-tie-optional inaugural ball tonight at the Ohio State Fairgrounds.

At least 8,000 people bought tickets for $75 apiece to the ball, to be held in the Frank J. Lausche and James A. Rhodes buildings linked by a giant tent.