Sarah Palin to speak in Salina

SALINA, Kansas – Big news was announced Monday as a big name is heading to Kansas. Sarah Palin is set to speak in the state and some might be surprised at who landed the big get.

The Salina Chamber’s Annual Banquet is known for attracting big names from former presidents to foreign dignitaries and sports legends. But this year, they’re bringing in someone at the center of America’s current political landscape.

With her recent resignation as Alaska’s governor and a highly anticipated book coming out next month, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce says Palin is perfect for its Annual Banquet.

“Still, what Sarah Palin seems to be doing is news throughout the country, we think it will be an evening where people show up and they maybe don't quite understand what's going to be talked about and that should be interesting,” said Daran Neuschafer, chairman for the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

The February banquet, and specifically who the speaker will be, is something residents like Dennis Collier say they look forward to.

“Sarah Palin has the ability to excite people at large whether you're a Republican or a Democrat or Independent and you don't know what Sarah Palin is going to do next,” said Collier. “She was Governor and then she resigned and now she's here in Salina.”

And rumors are swirling about at possible 2012 presidential run for the former vice-presidential candidate. But not all were happy about the Chamber’s choice.

"I was really surprised and actually a little disappointed,” said Rebekah Gaston. “I know in the past few years they've had Bob Costas and Cal Ripken, who are kind of the All-American. Everybody loves them types and Sarah Palin is a lot more polarizing -- doesn't really speak to the average person.”

But the Chamber believes residents will want to hear what she has to say and they expect the banquet’s 1,500 seats to sell out quickly.

“Fortunately, with the list of speakers that the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce has had year in and year out, proudly enough I think we've made a pretty good name for ourselves,” said Neuschafer.

Tickets for the Annual Banquet are available now. The general public can purchase them on December 2nd.