Posted on 07/23/2009 9:52:39 AM PDT by Syncro
FAIRBANKS - Fairbanks is expecting to be in the national spotlight Sunday when Gov. Sarah Palin formally steps down and Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell swears in to take her place.
The transition will take place during the governor's annual picnic, which is expected to draw about 5,000 people, according to the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
The former Republican vice presidential nominee announced her resignation plan July 3 without saying exactly what she would do next. She said she wants to continue to be involved in politics, but didn't mention running for president in 2012.
On Twitter postings Tuesday, Palin said she'll use her farewell speech to share gratefulness for the honor of serving and speak to Alaska's destiny that includes contributions of energy and security to the United States.
Palin spokeswoman Sharon Leighow said Palin also is expected to attend picnics in Mat-Su on Friday evening and in Anchorage on Saturday afternoon.
Leighow said the governor's office has been inundated with inquiries from national media outlets about the Fairbanks event.
"It's definitely exciting to have the inauguration here at the park," Pioneer Park manager Jason Avery said. "We've got additional security, and our crews are just making last-minute preparations."
Melissa Stepovich, who works in Palin's Fairbanks office, said she's getting a lot of interest from legislators and other state dignitaries in attending the transition.
"How fortunate is Fairbanks to have this happen here," she said. "It kind of tells you how the governor and the lieutenant governor feel about Fairbanks. They've chosen it, and especially at 50 years of statehood."
Parnell spokeswoman Michelle Toohey said he plans to stay in Fairbanks on Monday, his first official day as governor and meet with local media and community leaders. His first cabinet meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.
There are several picnics that Sarah Palin will attend this coming weekend.
Palin spokeswoman Sharon Leighow said Palin also is expected to attend picnics in Mat-Su on Friday evening and in Anchorage on Saturday afternoon.I never heard of "Mat-Su" before, apparantly it is Alaska-speak for "The Wasilla Area."
Any of you Alaska FR members live close enought to attend one of these picnics in Anchorage (Saturday afternoon) or around Wasilla (Friday evening) or the biggie (Inauguration Picnic) in Fairbanks on Sunday?
5,000....I’ll be interested to see how many more than that attend....
Yea, I kinda chuckled when I read that!
Not an awful lot, I’m afraid...Alaska is a very low-population state, with remote villages that can only be reached by plane or riverboat. 5,000 in one place is a huge turnout.
Memo to event planners: buy more hot dogs.
There is this guy that ran for President who’s only job before hand was as a community organizer.
Oh, and about 5 months as a senator after which he was AWOL from his senator’s job (but still cashed his paychecks) and now he is Present of The United States.
He had a lot less experience than Palin, but had the DNC ( and their MSM branch) and the whole Chicago Political Mob Machine and of course ACORN in his corner.
You know of anyone in these areas that you could ping?
Thanks!
Stands for "Matunuska-Susitna Valley"
Oh great thanks a lot!
Sounds like Palin is surprising you too. Look for more surprises, both from Palin and those who will support her endeavors. It is going to be an interesting and exciting few years.
Funny thing is, it’s not a farewell tour.
It’s a Governor going to events in her State and attending the inauguration of the new Governor.
All of these picnics are annual events.
Looking forward to telling Sarah that we are sad at losing a great governor, but we're looking forward to addressing her as “Madam President” after the 2012 election!
Quite an honor for us Fairbanksans to have such a national focus - we'll do you all proud!
No doubt Palin has charisma and a populist appeal. But, conservatives traditionally only nominate candidates with solid experience and usually with excellent educational accomplishments. In my opinion, the GOP should look to someone like Eric Cantor who has both.
Appreciate the info. Thanks. Hope the turnout is great.
LOL
Don’t forget to mark his “Permanent Record” as well.
I see bumper stickers in town
“Palin for President
2012 - 2014 1/2”
More than a few Impeach Palin signs. Don’t know the entire story on those - look to be businesses impacted by her growth of the welfare rolls....
In tne end, Sara will do as she pleases - hope she makes some real dough.
I told my uncle she going be there he going be there
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