Bistro One got a very last-minute reservation request Thursday. But this was one they wanted to make room for.
Alaska governor Sarah Palin emerges from Bistro One after breakfast on Friday morning. The governor was in Auburn to celebrate Founders Day on Saturday.
0606.Palin01.cs
Chet Susslin / The Citizen
Former vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin participated in a breakfast event Friday morning at the Auburn restaurant. The event, which was attended by area supporters, kicked off a day of activities for the Republican governor at various local businesses, parks and organizations.
Her tour of the area precedes today's first-ever Founders Day, which celebrates local history. During the Auburn festival, Palin will take part in a parade, speak at the city hall and attend a fundraiser luncheon at the Seward House.
Marc Schulz, who owns Bistro One with his wife, Dawn, said Auburn city officials contacted him approximately 24 hours before the breakfast to see if they could host it.
Schulz said he was flattered not only to have such a high-profile guest, but also that local officials suggested his business.
“You're honored any time city officials think of you,” he said. “And to host someone as high-profile as (Palin), that alone is what makes the decision easy.”
One of about 40 in attendance at the breakfast was state Assemblyman Gary Finch. Finch said Palin gave a nonpolitical talk, and she expressed gratitude to the local community for inviting her.
Finch said that Palin, who brought her husband, Todd, daughter, Willow, her sister and nephew along, made sure to speak individually with each person at the event.
“She certainly conveyed to everyone that she is very glad to be here,” said Finch, who will also participate in Saturday's festivities.
“She was very real, very genuine,” Finch said.
Palin was invited because of this year's Founders Day theme - the 50th anniversary of Alaskan statehood. Auburn resident William Seward played a pivotal role in the country's purchase of Alaska while he served as secretary of state.
Upon leaving Bistro One, Palin made a visit to the Harriet Tubman Home before heading to Seneca Falls where she visited the Women's Rights National Historic Park and the National Women's Hall of Fame.
Lee Werst, the national historic park's chief of interpretation, said that Palin toured the visitor's center and the Wesleyan Chapel. Built in 1843, the chapel was the site of the First Women's Rights Convention in 1848.
“Any time someone of note visits here, I think it's a good thing for the park,” Werst said after the visit.
Palin also planned to have dinner at Auburn restaurant Balloons, a decision owner Bernie Simmons said “thrilled” him.
Peter Brooks didn't even get a day's notice. Brooks said he received a call Friday inquiring if he would style Palin's hair at his J. Peter Brooks School of Beauty in Auburn.
Brooks said he usually asks what kind of style a high-profile client is looking for before making suggestions.
“It's an honor for any public official to contact you,” Brooks said. “It's great. We're a brand new school.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
Her tour of the area precedes today's first-ever Founders Day, which celebrates local history. During the Auburn festival, Palin will take part in a parade, speak at the city hall and attend a fundraiser luncheon at the Seward House.
Marc Schulz, who owns Bistro One with his wife, Dawn, said Auburn city officials contacted him approximately 24 hours before the breakfast to see if they could host it.
Schulz said he was flattered not only to have such a high-profile guest, but also that local officials suggested his business.
“You're honored any time city officials think of you,” he said. “And to host someone as high-profile as (Palin), that alone is what makes the decision easy.”
One of about 40 in attendance at the breakfast was state Assemblyman Gary Finch. Finch said Palin gave a nonpolitical talk, and she expressed gratitude to the local community for inviting her.
Finch said that Palin, who brought her husband, Todd, daughter, Willow, her sister and nephew along, made sure to speak individually with each person at the event.
“She certainly conveyed to everyone that she is very glad to be here,” said Finch, who will also participate in Saturday's festivities.
“She was very real, very genuine,” Finch said.
Palin was invited because of this year's Founders Day theme - the 50th anniversary of Alaskan statehood. Auburn resident William Seward played a pivotal role in the country's purchase of Alaska while he served as secretary of state.
Upon leaving Bistro One, Palin made a visit to the Harriet Tubman Home before heading to Seneca Falls where she visited the Women's Rights National Historic Park and the National Women's Hall of Fame.
Lee Werst, the national historic park's chief of interpretation, said that Palin toured the visitor's center and the Wesleyan Chapel. Built in 1843, the chapel was the site of the First Women's Rights Convention in 1848.
“Any time someone of note visits here, I think it's a good thing for the park,” Werst said after the visit.
Palin also planned to have dinner at Auburn restaurant Balloons, a decision owner Bernie Simmons said “thrilled” him.
Peter Brooks didn't even get a day's notice. Brooks said he received a call Friday inquiring if he would style Palin's hair at his J. Peter Brooks School of Beauty in Auburn.
Brooks said he usually asks what kind of style a high-profile client is looking for before making suggestions.
“It's an honor for any public official to contact you,” Brooks said. “It's great. We're a brand new school.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
 Title: What to do on Founder's DayPlan your day with this timeline of events taking place on Founder's Day, Saturday, June 6. CLICK HERE TO PLAY TIMELINE » |
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bigboychili wrote on Jun 12, 2009 2:14 AM:
My Father who devoted much of his life to making auburn a better place, and is now at Fort Hill, would be sick if he knew you honored Ms Palin in the city he loved so much.
David Rose "
auburn~no~class wrote on Jun 9, 2009 4:13 PM: