No Palin? No problem.
The city of Auburn and organizers of its first-ever Founder's Day expect to have a heck-of-a party June 6, despite the fact that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has turned down an invitation.
The day-long event will still include an Alaska-themed parade, live music, food, crafts and other forms of entertainment in the downtown area.
Auburn City Manager Mark Palesh said this week's news that Palin would not be able to attend means there will not be any Alaskan officials at the festival. City officials and event organizers extended an invitation to the governor's office in March.
A representative from the governor's office confirmed Friday that Palin could not attend Founder's Day, but would not say why.
“We're greatly disappointed, considering this is the birthplace of Alaska,” Palesh said. “We understand schedules get pretty tight for governors.”
Founder's Day is expected to be an annual festival celebrating the founding of the city and some of its most influential native sons and daughters. There will be a new theme each year, this one being the 50th anniversary of Alaskan statehood.
There are strong connections between Auburn and Alaska, as William Seward, who lived in Auburn for much of his life, organized the purchase of the land while he served as secretary of state to Abraham Lincoln. When Alaska became the 49th state in 1959, there was a large celebration in Auburn.
Sheli Graney, chair of the Founder's Day committee, said she thinks it would be a great success if next month's festivities are remembered and enjoyed like that event.
Throughout the day, there will be live music, ice sculptures, dance instruction for kids and an evening dance. There will also be sled dog and bald eagle demonstrations, as well as an original play written by David Connelly and directed by Joni Lincoln about William Seward and Alaska.
“This is a great community with a strong, varied history,” Graney said. “I hope we have a huge crowd, and I hope everybody looks forward to the next event.”
State Senator David Valesky has already confirmed he will attend, Graney said, and other state and federal representatives have received invitations.
While there will not be any officials from Alaska, there is a current connection between Auburn city hall and the 49th state's capital. Palesh served as the city manager of Juneau during the 1990s.
Palesh said Friday that Alaska's statehood is a cause for celebration, dignitaries or no dignitaries. The state offers some of the greatest opportunities of any to be part of nature, he said.
“I think anyone who has ever been to Alaska will develop that same sense of awe and feeling for nature,” Palesh said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
The day-long event will still include an Alaska-themed parade, live music, food, crafts and other forms of entertainment in the downtown area.
Auburn City Manager Mark Palesh said this week's news that Palin would not be able to attend means there will not be any Alaskan officials at the festival. City officials and event organizers extended an invitation to the governor's office in March.
A representative from the governor's office confirmed Friday that Palin could not attend Founder's Day, but would not say why.
“We're greatly disappointed, considering this is the birthplace of Alaska,” Palesh said. “We understand schedules get pretty tight for governors.”
Founder's Day is expected to be an annual festival celebrating the founding of the city and some of its most influential native sons and daughters. There will be a new theme each year, this one being the 50th anniversary of Alaskan statehood.
There are strong connections between Auburn and Alaska, as William Seward, who lived in Auburn for much of his life, organized the purchase of the land while he served as secretary of state to Abraham Lincoln. When Alaska became the 49th state in 1959, there was a large celebration in Auburn.
Sheli Graney, chair of the Founder's Day committee, said she thinks it would be a great success if next month's festivities are remembered and enjoyed like that event.
Throughout the day, there will be live music, ice sculptures, dance instruction for kids and an evening dance. There will also be sled dog and bald eagle demonstrations, as well as an original play written by David Connelly and directed by Joni Lincoln about William Seward and Alaska.
“This is a great community with a strong, varied history,” Graney said. “I hope we have a huge crowd, and I hope everybody looks forward to the next event.”
State Senator David Valesky has already confirmed he will attend, Graney said, and other state and federal representatives have received invitations.
While there will not be any officials from Alaska, there is a current connection between Auburn city hall and the 49th state's capital. Palesh served as the city manager of Juneau during the 1990s.
Palesh said Friday that Alaska's statehood is a cause for celebration, dignitaries or no dignitaries. The state offers some of the greatest opportunities of any to be part of nature, he said.
“I think anyone who has ever been to Alaska will develop that same sense of awe and feeling for nature,” Palesh said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
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Post your comment - click hereThere are 7 comment(s)
mledbett wrote on May 16, 2009 8:17 PM:
scouty wrote on May 16, 2009 6:53 PM:
lookinggood wrote on May 16, 2009 2:18 PM:
drucifer wrote on May 16, 2009 2:17 PM:
marsha wrote on May 16, 2009 12:58 PM:
marsha wrote on May 16, 2009 12:57 PM:
bill balyszak wrote on May 16, 2009 9:47 AM:
Must be it's because the Governor can't see Auburn from Alaska when she looks out her window?
Shame on you Sarah Palin. It's YOUR STATE and OUR William Seward who bought it for you.
The least you could do is take a little time from your schedule and honor both. "