Genesee Street in Auburn was the place to be on Saturday June 6th as the City kicked off its First Annual Founders Day Celebration with a parade lead by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Approximately 10,000 spectators lined the streets to greet Governor Palin and celebrate Auburn’s Alaska connection.

Before heading to the Seward House to tour the historic home of William H. Seward, City of Auburn Mayor Michael Quill welcomed Governor Palin to Auburn on the steps of Memorial City Hall. The Governor addressed a crowd of approximately 5000 people that came to celebrate and enjoy Founder’s Day events.

Auburn’s special guest, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin read and signed a proclamation to recognize Auburn’s Founder’s Day Celebration honoring one of Auburn’s most famous native sons, William H. Seward for his instrumental role in the United States’ purchase of the Alaska territory from Russia. To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the statehood of Alaska, Governor Palin and her family visited the Seward Home on South St. to meet guests and tour Seward’s home.