On the surface, there doesn't seem to be a lot of connections between New York and Alaska.
Jill Connor / The Citizen
The June 6 event will be packed with family activities, with a special focus going to the 50th anniversary of Alaskan statehood.
The June 6 event will be packed with family activities, with a special focus going to the 50th anniversary of Alaskan statehood.
One was an original American colony, while the other was the second-to-last state to join the union. One is home to rural farms and dense, urban landscapes. The other boasts towering mountains and vast, open terrain.
But come Saturday, visitors and residents will revel in the things that connect the 49th state with Auburn.
The first-ever Founders Day will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alaskan statehood with an entire day of activities and attractions, including a visit from former vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
But the festivities won't begin before some pomp and circumstance in the form of a parade that will feature local bands, officials, organizations and floats boasting Alaskan themes.
Some parade participants have been working for weeks on their floats, eying the cash prizes for the top entries. One of those entries will represent the Montessori School of the Finger Lakes, where educators have been using Founders Day to help teach students about local history.
“I believe it is very necessary for the children to be connected to their heritage,” said Montessori teacher Diane Bauso. “There is such tremendous history right here in our town.”
Bauso wouldn't give too many details about the floats, though one will likely be a dozen or so feet tall. But she did say they will try and bring together the cultures of each state through various symbols like animals, plants, native figures, models and flags.
She said Founders Day has opened up so many opportunities in the classroom for real learning. She hopes that continues during the parade through some educational goodies that will be handed out.
“It's a lot of work, but it's also caused a whirlwind of creativity and learning,” Bauso said.
East Middle School student Katie Ambrose, 14, and some others from the Blueprint II organization are looking to educate the parade attendees on the environment. The float, which will feature an Alaskan crab and fish in the ocean, is being constructed of the plastic bags that are common at grocery stores.
Ambrose said the students working on the float will hand out some reusable grocery tote bags and show where many of the plastic bags end up - in the ocean.
“I guess we were really passionate about this,” Ambrose said. “We want a safer and more healthy environment for Auburn.”
Founders Day organizers have said they expect this to be an annual event, with each year focusing on a different person or event in the city's history. Auburn and Alaska are historically tied, as William Seward was instrumental as secretary of state in the country's purchase of the territory. Seward lived in Auburn for much of his adult life.
Though not focusing on a direct connection between Auburn and Alaska, the float from Weedsport-based snowmobile club the Winter Wanderers showcases an activity enjoyed in both places.
Trail Coordinator John Arpino said the fact that Palin will be in the parade makes the connection even stronger, as her family is known as being snowmobile enthusiasts.
“It's a way for us to fit in to the whole theme,” Arpino said.
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go.
What: Founders Day
When: All day Saturday; parade begins at 11 a.m.
Where: Downtown Auburn
Info: http://ci.auburn.ny.us
Schedule of events
11 a.m. - Parade down Genesee Street to Memorial City Hall on South Street
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Performance “airigami” by artist Larry Moss
Noon to 1 p.m. - Public addresses on the steps of city hall
1-6 p.m. - Live music on Genesee Street: 12:30 p.m. Jazzitude, 2 p.m. SUAB Brass Ensemble, 3 p.m. Magical Mystery Tour
1-3 p.m. - Rhythm In Motion dance instruction for children
1-5 p.m. - Ice sculpture demonstrations by Stan Kolonko
1:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. - “Persistence,” a play about William Seward and Alaska, Auburn Public Theater
2:30 and 4:30 p.m. - Absolute Dance Company performances, Auburn Public Theater
4-6 p.m. - Seward House open for self-guided tours
7-10 p.m. - Evening dance with music from Joe Whiting Band
All day - Arts and crafts vendors, sled dog and eagle demonstrations, games, balloon art, magic and other activities.
But come Saturday, visitors and residents will revel in the things that connect the 49th state with Auburn.
The first-ever Founders Day will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alaskan statehood with an entire day of activities and attractions, including a visit from former vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
But the festivities won't begin before some pomp and circumstance in the form of a parade that will feature local bands, officials, organizations and floats boasting Alaskan themes.
Some parade participants have been working for weeks on their floats, eying the cash prizes for the top entries. One of those entries will represent the Montessori School of the Finger Lakes, where educators have been using Founders Day to help teach students about local history.
“I believe it is very necessary for the children to be connected to their heritage,” said Montessori teacher Diane Bauso. “There is such tremendous history right here in our town.”
Bauso wouldn't give too many details about the floats, though one will likely be a dozen or so feet tall. But she did say they will try and bring together the cultures of each state through various symbols like animals, plants, native figures, models and flags.
She said Founders Day has opened up so many opportunities in the classroom for real learning. She hopes that continues during the parade through some educational goodies that will be handed out.
“It's a lot of work, but it's also caused a whirlwind of creativity and learning,” Bauso said.
East Middle School student Katie Ambrose, 14, and some others from the Blueprint II organization are looking to educate the parade attendees on the environment. The float, which will feature an Alaskan crab and fish in the ocean, is being constructed of the plastic bags that are common at grocery stores.
Ambrose said the students working on the float will hand out some reusable grocery tote bags and show where many of the plastic bags end up - in the ocean.
“I guess we were really passionate about this,” Ambrose said. “We want a safer and more healthy environment for Auburn.”
Founders Day organizers have said they expect this to be an annual event, with each year focusing on a different person or event in the city's history. Auburn and Alaska are historically tied, as William Seward was instrumental as secretary of state in the country's purchase of the territory. Seward lived in Auburn for much of his adult life.
Though not focusing on a direct connection between Auburn and Alaska, the float from Weedsport-based snowmobile club the Winter Wanderers showcases an activity enjoyed in both places.
Trail Coordinator John Arpino said the fact that Palin will be in the parade makes the connection even stronger, as her family is known as being snowmobile enthusiasts.
“It's a way for us to fit in to the whole theme,” Arpino said.
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go.
What: Founders Day
When: All day Saturday; parade begins at 11 a.m.
Where: Downtown Auburn
Info: http://ci.auburn.ny.us
Schedule of events
11 a.m. - Parade down Genesee Street to Memorial City Hall on South Street
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Performance “airigami” by artist Larry Moss
Noon to 1 p.m. - Public addresses on the steps of city hall
1-6 p.m. - Live music on Genesee Street: 12:30 p.m. Jazzitude, 2 p.m. SUAB Brass Ensemble, 3 p.m. Magical Mystery Tour
1-3 p.m. - Rhythm In Motion dance instruction for children
1-5 p.m. - Ice sculpture demonstrations by Stan Kolonko
1:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. - “Persistence,” a play about William Seward and Alaska, Auburn Public Theater
2:30 and 4:30 p.m. - Absolute Dance Company performances, Auburn Public Theater
4-6 p.m. - Seward House open for self-guided tours
7-10 p.m. - Evening dance with music from Joe Whiting Band
All day - Arts and crafts vendors, sled dog and eagle demonstrations, games, balloon art, magic and other activities.
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