Any butterflies likely freeze during the icy stroll.

Becker is composed, convivial and self-deprecating during a roller-coaster inaugural romp that features grand crowds, a grander stage and giant demands on his time.

He begins by practicing his speech on a trash bin propped up as a podium and ends the day at a glitzy gala overlooking the capital he now captains. Here is a behind-the-scenes peek at how Becker survives the klieg lights:

8 a.m.Becker burrows into his basement transition office, eagle-eyed by a city attorney, to sign letters for new job appointments.

"It's got to get done," he says as his youthful campaign loyalists (who now have jobs in Becker's administration) scurry around clutching coffee, laptops and PDAs. Becker, however, is relaxed, sporting a new black suit, suspenders and a ready smile.

"I got more sleep last night than I did in the last week to 10 days," he says. "I knew it would be a busy day."

By 9:30, Becker is proclaiming he "won't" wear a regular tie for the evening ball.

How about a bolo or one of his dad's colorful vests instead? Fashion talk dominates as a staffer bursts in with yellow scarves for the group. They remind Becker of the Olympics.

Back on his laptop, Becker checks late-night revisions to his speech. Make sure that diversity comment is in, he mumbles.

Moments later, Becker is led by speaking-and-presentation trainer Beth Noymer Levine to practice his inaugural address in a conference room. She tips over a garbage can as an impromptu podium.

"Classy, isn't it," Levine says. "This is city government."

After one read-through - fix your "droopy" tie, Levine scolds, "you're filling big shoes" - she isn't convinced. "Less sentency, more headliney."

Becker nails the second attempt, then worries that, with his brother administering the oath and his mother looking on, he might lose it.

"Do you have Kleenex?" Levine asks. Becker realizes his new suit pockets are sewn shut.

10:30 a.m.Back in the transition office, staffers bring in a box of plastic ice scrapers with Becker's name and the inaugural date. Clearly, they counted on the forecast snowstorm.

"I don't know about these," says new spokeswoman Helen Langan. "I suggested mittens."

For the next hour, Becker fields calls and visits from well-wishers. Former state lawmaker Paula Julander and former mayoral hopeful J.P. Hughes camp out.

Shortly after 11, Becker and staff mug for private pictures on the west steps. Afterward, photographers snap group shots of Becker with his family.

11:30 a.m.Becker, still loose, is briefed about the program, while signing still more hiring documents.

"The governor is coming," chief of staff David Everitt smiles.

Giddy, the Becker camp takes spots outside, while Everitt and Becker share a quick hug.

"Real thing now," Everitt tells his boss.

Minutes before the speech, Becker glances at the scene from behind the doors. For the first time, he fidgets.

NoonNavigating the crowd, Becker is greeted by former Mayor Palmer DePaulis, who repeats "great day." Seconds later, a warm handshake from mayoral foe Dave Buhler, then a hug from Rocky Anderson.

At 12:35, Becker takes his oath. City Hall will "reach out," he says, to neighbors north and south, as well as to legislators. He calls on the crowd to hold him accountable for progress, but to "invest" in Utah's capital.

Utah Poet Laureate Katharine Coles recites a poem. The title, simply: "Arrival." (See poem below.)

12:45 p.m.Becker greets throng on City Hall steps, ranging from city, county and state officials to old friends. Inside, he cuts a ribbon for a new Western art exhibit then pledges to infuse downtown with the passion and creativity artists bring.

After a series of TV interviews, Becker is never quite able to enjoy a third-floor lunch reception - too busy thanking folks. Sequestered in his office to finally eat, Becker is whisked away minutes later for more interviews. He gladly goes, then tells a radio reporter he's had "a warm reception on a cold day."

2:30 p.m.Serenaded by students from Open Classroom, Becker joins Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon and urban forester Bill Rutherford to plant a tree labeled "Happy Days."

Struggling to keep his voice, Becker greets more residents in the heart of City Hall.

7:30 p.m.The new mayor attends the inaugural ball in the tower at Rice-Eccles Stadium wearing a flashy red vest. No tie.

djensen@sltrib.com