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ELVIS
FESTIVAL COLLINGWOOD
Elvis Presley is one of the best known legions
of our time. Millions of people every year visit his home Graceland in Memphis
Tennessee to see his home, grounds, and pay tribute at his gravesite, and while
there purchase his records and a souvenir. There are also a number of Elvis
impersonators, festivals and other tributes to him.
Fifteen years ago Vacation Inn (now known
as Georgian Manor) hosted a Canadian Elvis Tribute and Convention. This was the
beginning of the Collingwood Elvis Festival that occurs annually each July in
Collingwood. It grew better every year and is now considered to be one of the
best in North America. It has been sanctioned by Graceland, a division of Elvis
Presley Enterprises, meaning it meets all of the standards and criteria set by
Graceland. During the past five years every effort has been made to appeal to a
wide variety of visitors especially families. Some of these include the Hunka
Hunka Pancake Breakfast, midway, parties, a Classic Automobile Viper and
Corvette Elvis Parade, street dancing and a Midnight Vigil. Last year there was
over 120 artists and thousands of visitors
This year it will be held from Thursday
July 22 to Sunday July 25, with a new addition on Thursday night schedule,
“Memories & Melodies” presented by Hamilton Watch. It starts with a Dinner at 7
o’clock followed by a show featuring Elvis Tribute artists at 9. There will
also be a cash bar and door prize draw.
During the festival other events include:
a midway, kidsfest village, vendor alley, street party, beer garden, many shows
and parties, competition for the best Elvis impersonator, a birthday
celebration, and on Sunday a worship service and an Elvis gospel competition.
The Festival ends with a Last Hurrah Party at Olde Town Terrace.
If you enjoy Elvis Music and are looking
for a fun way to spend a few days or even a day trip you may consider this a
wonderful destination. While in the area there are may other interesting
attractions including Blue Mountain.
Sources
http://www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com/schedule.html
http://www.shopcollingwood.com/Collingwood-Elvis-Festival-__L9Y-3P1__705-444-1162/?listing.action=about
http://www.downtowncollingwood.com/event_Elvis2010.html | 
