Here’s video of the swearing-in before the swearing-in.

Little did you know that the swearing-in you see on television is really just ceremonial. The real swearing-in of city officials happens minutes (and sometimes days) before in a smaller, far less crowded place. Today that place was Room 208 (The Kennedy Room) in City Hall.

Immediately following the real swearing-in, performed by City Register Parrie May, the new officials sign the city’s official record, making them honest to God elected officials of the City of St. Louis.

Check back later for video of the much more elaborate swearing-in ceremony that took place on the floor of the Board of Aldermen.