AUBURN -- The state of Alaska and the city of Auburn have a lot in common, Sarah Palin told crowds of people Saturday.

During two public addresses Saturday, the Alaska governor and former Republican vice-presidential candidate told Auburnians and out-of-town guests that she is impressed with the Cayuga County city.

Palin invoked the names of Auburn residents of the present and past -- especially William Seward -- to show links to her own state, while making some political statements in the process.

"(Seward) was ridiculed for recognizing what Alaska has to offer," Palin said while speaking in front of Auburn Memorial City Hall. "He took a path that wasn't necessarily real easy, but it was the right path."

Palin was the highest profile guest during the city's inaugural Founders Day. During her second full day in Auburn, Palin participated in a parade before joining local, state and federal officials to speak in front of the city hall.

It was clear she was the star of the show, as thousands of parade watchers rushed to grab a place in front of the podium before the parade was even half finished. Some attendees chanted her name before she spoke.

Palin also spoke to a smaller crowd at the Seward House, where a fundraiser for the museum was taking place.

See Sunday's edition of The Citizen for three full pages of Founders Day coverage.