The spirit of Elvis is taking over Collingwood.
While tribute artists were serenading guests at restaurants, crews were busy setting up the main stage at the Collingwood Arena. Gordon Hendrics has been a tribute artist in England for 15 years and this is his first time performing at the Collingwood festival.
“I'm really excited,” says Hendrics, “everyone talks about Collingwood. I had to experience it for myself.”
This is the 20th-anniversary for the festival, which draws loyal fans from all over the globe.
Shelly Shrimpton has made the trip from Dallas. She attends every major Elvis festival and was sure to bring her mini Elvis doll to Collingwood.
“He actually gets to go places Elvis didn't go, because he didn't tour much,” says Shrimpton. “He did Canada in the ’50s and mainly the United States.”
About 130 tribute artists from across North America and Europe will perform this weekend.
Hank Poole is already winning over some fans. The eight year-old from West Virginia is here to sing a little “Jailhouse Rock”. He's practised a few dance moves to wow the crowds and don't be fooled by his age.
“I played at Graceland,” beamed the young performer.
“It was a miracle,” says Poole’s mom, Samantha. “He's done approximately 180 shows. It's pretty amazing. It’s just so wild to see an eight-year-old do that.”
Every year organizers look for new ways and special guests to help keep the king of rock roll’s legacy alive. In the past Elvis' jeweler, movie co-stars and members of his entourage have attended but for the first time ever Elvis' former wife will be attending
“I'm so appreciative of what you've done with Elvis' legacy and preserving it,” says Priscilla Presley.
Priscilla is here to promote her new book “Shades of Elvis” and is impressed by the scale of the Collingwood festival. She says Elvis would be amazed if he was alive today.
“I wish he was here today,” continued Elvis’ first wife, “to see how it’s evolved and what it's become. This is our dream really to take it to the next generation.”
This is an incredible accomplishment for Collingwood, an accomplishment that has been 15 years in the making for festival general manager, Rosemarie O'Brien.
“Priscilla has never been to an Elvis festival (here),” says O’Brien. “So for her to grace us with her presence this year is absolutely an amazing accomplishment.”
Organizers are expecting up to 30,000 people to attend the festival. It officially kicks off tomorrow morning with a street party in downtown Collingwood.
