The Collingwood Festival


Recently my good friend Jane, known as Janey in the Elvis Chat Room, had the privilege of going to Collingwood Elvis Festival '99. An annual three day event held in Ontario Canada, Jane was there for it all. Sit back and enjoy as she takes us to the festival.

COLLINGWOOD by Jane Stark

I arrived in Collingwood with much excitement and anticipation. After two days on the bus,I could not wait till I got there. Driving into Collingwood I immediately saw stands selling Elvis memorabilia.

My excitement was increasing minute by minute with each banner we saw advertising the Festival. We could not find the hotel quick enough, every minute trying to find it was like an eternity! All I wanted to do was find the motel, drop the luggage and kids off and then go do Elvis!!!! We did find our motel, checked in, fed kids, changed and left in search of Elvis entertainment all within 45 minutes.

I was one happy camper!! Our first stop was the Curling Club, the headquarters for the festival, to pickup our tickets. Once we had our tickets in our hands we toured the booths in the Curling Club. There were many Elvis items for sale. My first words to my sister-in-law were, " I am not buying now, I will wait till later". Famous last words, I left the Curling Club with $100 less than when I entered.

Next we were off to the street dance. Well if I was excited before it was nothing like I was at this point. I could no longer contain myself, it was too much. The excitement in the air was electric and contagious!!

There were 1000's of people there and as each an every tribute artist performed the intensity of the night increased. It was awesome!!

They performed till midnight when the honorary guests were called on stage for the memorial tribute to Elvis. Darwin Lamm, Marion Cocke, JD Fontana and Joe Esposito,

They also paid tribute to JD Sumner and Mike McGregor. Candles were lit and there were tears. It was very touching and emotional.

Marion recited a poem and there was video and music of Elvis playing.

The night ended with a few more tribute artists. I could not contain my excitement and was anxiously awaiting the next day.

On September 24 Jane continues her story including her pictures of lots of gorgeous Elvis look-alikes.

The copyright of the article The Collingwood Festival in Elvis Presley is owned by June Moore. Permission to republish The Collingwood Festival in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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