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Memphis '99

© June Moore

The world's largest Elvis impersonator competition "Images of Elvis", is held every year in Memphis. This years first place honor went to Irv Cass. Second place went to Robert Washington from Auburn, Maine and third to Charleroi, Belgium's Elvis, Jr.

And now, another Elvis Chat Club member speaks out, as Connie Johns tells how it feels to be a first-timer at the Elvis event of the year.

First-Timer by Connie Johns

As a first-timer to Graceland, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Sure being a die hard Elvis fan -- I had visions and pictures, but would it be the way I imagined it to be?

During the short ride across the street and through the gates, I could feel my emotions start to surface. To this Elvis fan----I was going "home". I think that the emotions of the years without Elvis came to a final peace as I approached his grave. The tears of such a tragic loss fell UN-shamelessly down my face, the tremendous out pouring of grief was with all of us who stood there on that day.

The next few days were filled with my new memories of so many events, special places, and new faces. Elvis Impersonators were lined in every direction and were a welcome site to this sad heart. Putting on a smile was starting to become a little easier, what with the moonlight Cruise , Beale St, and Elvis slot machines-----who could ask for anything more? Speaking of Elvis slot machines, did I mention I won? Yes sir, Elvis and money, boy what more could a gal ask for?

Of course, what is the Elvis Week without heading over to the "Images of Elvis" contest? This is the place where tribute artists from around the globe come to compete and try to take home the #1 Elvis title. As I take my seat, I glance over and spot an incredible good looking "Elvis" and set my heart on getting his autograph. With a new found "high" about me, I proceed to request this fine young man's signature...... As I casually look down to him writing, I spot his name as plain as day---- TRAVIS DEVALL!!. Wow, I'm thrilled to finally meet the man we all fell in love with the night the chat club did an interview with him for Suite 101, "The Travis Transcripts" Never imagining that this awesome looking man was "our" Travis. Boy, does he look different in person!!!!