AUBURN, N.Y. -- For some, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's trip to Auburn was much-anticipated.

"Definitely, we're excited to see her," said Julie Casler of Marietta.

Palin participated in Auburn's Founders Day, celebrating the special bond between the city of Auburn and State of Alaska.

Auburn native William H. Seward was instrumental in purchasing the Alaska territory back in 1867.

The former vice presidential candidate is giving back by paying homage to the small city in New York.

"It will put us on the map, so to speak. We've had a lot of things happening here the last year that have brought Auburn to the forefront," said Romayne LaBaron, of Union Springs.

Celebrities aside, for many the day was simply a day to learn about the history right here in Auburn."

"I want my son to see the history in the making. I've been from the area most of my life and it's good to see this town growing, and exploring and venturing out to do things that are better to know your community," said Judy Almeida, of Auburn.

For some kids, the parade was the culmination of their local history lessons at school.

"A couple weeks ago we had to do a passportation program which is like historic things in Auburn, like Shine Theater, Harriet Tubman, Seward House, Willard Chapel stuff like that, that was fun," said Brian Casler, of Marietta.

Being there for the first ever Founder's Day, they got to make a little history themselves.

The City of Auburn plans to make Founders Day an annual celebration, honoring some of its most influential citizens.