Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: He succeeded Sarah Palin following her resignation , and was sworn in at the Governor 's Picnic in Fairbanks on July 26 , 2009 .
Simplified: Parnell became governor on July 26 , 2009 after Governor Sarah Palin resigned . He was sworn in at the Governor 's Picnic in Fairbanks , Alaska .