Kristi Noem took her oath of office as Governor of South Dakota, Saturday afternoon, January 5, 2019 in the State Capitol Rotunda in Pierre. Supreme Court Chief Justice David Gilbertson swore in Noem as well as then Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden and several others taking the oath for statewide positions. To top off a day of oaths and speeches, two formal balls were held-the Capitol Ball and the Inaugural Ball. This year’s balls had historical meaning – to celebrate the inauguration of South Dakota’s first female governor. Traditionally, two balls are held to give more people an opportunity to be involved the day’s events.
The Capitol Ball is said to be the more prestigious of the balls, mainly because it is held in the Rotunda. The Inaugural Ball is the second ball and is held at the Ram-Kota Ballroom. Both balls have a grand march during which Governor Noem and her husband were introduced as they walked down the central staircase. Following behind them are the recently sworn in officials and the supreme court justices. It is very much like a Cinderella movie. The first couple of dances are reserved for these special guests of honor, and then all are invited to join in.
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