Palin’s Valley swan song is today

WASILLA — Gov. Sarah Palin’s commitment to public service includes dishing up hot dogs and slabs of watermelon.

Palin will make her last Valley public appearance as governor today at the annual Governor’s Picnic at Iditapark, said Sharon Leighow, a spokesperson for the governor’s office. Palin and the first family will join their Valley neighbors at the community party, with the governor stepping in to help serve free food.

“She will definitely be there,” Leighow said. “Gov. Palin looks forward to the Wasilla picnic every year. It’s a great way to connect with her hometown constituents.”

Today’s Wasilla event, scheduled for 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., marks the beginning of Palin’s final weekend in office. Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will be sworn in Sunday as the state’s 12th governor. With about 18 months remaining in her first term in office, Palin announced her resignation July 3.

Highlighting the Wasilla picnic will be food and entertainment in a family friendly atmosphere, said Lyn Carden, executive director for the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce and member of the Governor’s Picnic Committee.

“It really is just a community thing for the Valley,” she said. “It was created by the chamber of commerce here when (Frank) Murkowski was governor.”

Funded through private contributions, the committee plans for about 3,000 people to attend, but many more could show up, Carden said.

“We generally plan for 3,000, but last year we figure we had closer to 4,000,” she said. “And there’s absolutely no telling how many will come this year.”

The picnic culminates in a Blue Star Banner ceremony, where Palin will present the banners to families of active military servicemen and women.

Bert Hall, vice chairman of the state Veterans Advisory Council, said Palin has presented more than 100 Blue Star Banners to families during the past two governor’s picnics.

“I think this has a high importance,” he said. “It’s a priority of the governor. She’s done it every year. I think the fact she has a son in the military makes it (special) for her.”

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.