Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was in Auburn Saturday to help celebrate its first 'Founders Day.'

Palin took part in a parade and spoke at a fundraiser for the Seward House, which organized the event.

Alaska and Auburn are linked through William Seward who lived in Auburn and was secretary of state under presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.

Seward negotiated the deal to buy Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million.

"So, as we celebrate Alaska's richness, we celebrate the man who connects us to central New York and those values that Auburn holds so dear and understands. You understand because your foundation is built upon these things," said Palin.

Incidentally, June 6 has no historical significance for Auburn or Alaska. Alaska became a state in January 1959. Seward Day, an Alaskan state holiday, falls on the last Monday in March.

Auburn, N.Y. Founders Day

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