SPRINGFIELD - Plans are taking shape for Gov. Rod Blagojevich's Jan. 8 inauguration, but organizers wouldn't say Monday whether clout-heavy donors would again be tapped to pay for the festivities.

The Chicago Democrat will launch his second term next month with a day's worth of events surrounding his swearing-in ceremony.

While some state money will pay for the events, most of the cost will be funneled through a not-for-profit organization established to bankroll the activities.

In 2003, a virtual Who's Who list of influential donors anted up more than $1 million for inaugural activities spread over two days. Among them were the owners of businesses that are regulated by the state, such as casinos and horse tracks.

Exelon, the parent company of ComEd, offered $100,000 in inaugural aid, while Ameren chipped in $15,000.

For some of the donors to the 2003 event, handing over money for a big party honoring the state's new chief executive was simply good politics.

For other companies that participated, it became part of the company's marketing campaign.

After the 2003 event, for example, Chicago-based Eli's Cheesecake touted its contribution of an 800-pound cheesecake decorated with state symbols, such as the state flower and bird. Pieces of the massive dessert were served to attendees of the ball.

This time around, in an effort to reduce costs, the event is being limited to one day.

"It's safe to say it will cost less," said Doug Scofield, a former top campaign aide, who is in charge of organizing the events.

Scofield said he didn't know if the same contributors would be tapped to help offset the cost.

"It hasn't been determined yet," Scofield said.

While big money donors paid for most of the events in 2003, the event also relied on the sale of $210,000 worth of tickets to the Inaugural Ball.

The theme for the Inauguration is "Celebrate! Illinois." A limited number of tickets will be available free to the public beginning in late December.

People interested in attending any of the festivities can check out a Web site - www.celebrateillinois 2007.com - for the latest information, including a schedule of events.

The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with a 45-minute prayer service at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Springfield.

The inaugural ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center in Springfield. More than 5,000 attendees are expected to watch as the governor and constitutional officers take the oath of office.

Most seating at the swearing-in ceremony is by invitation only. A limited number of free tickets will be available to the general public by visiting any Ticketmaster in-store ticket outlet. There is a limit of two tickets per person for the Inaugural Ceremony, and tickets must be picked up in person. A $1 per ticket service charge will apply. Ticket orders will not be taken by phone or on the Ticketmaster Web site.

At 2:30 p.m., the governor and Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn will be on hand at the Executive Mansion for a receiving line, which will last until 4 p.m.

The "Celebrate! Illinois" 2007 Inaugural Ball begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Exposition Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Kurt Erickson can be reached at kurt.erickson@lee.net or 789-0865.