Penticton Festival- Part Two

This was a tourism opportunity for the valley, and a new E.P.E. adventure. I would have to guess that my main concern would be when we had to walk through thousands of people standing outside the gates, to where we purchased our "park" pass- and soon after, the organizers started wrapping banners in front of the gates so no one could catch a glimpse unless they paid. Thankfully there was nothing you could do about the noise, and even if you were not rich enough to attend, at least you were able to hear the sounds of Elvis drifting out behind the plastic banners.

I think Elvis would have welcomed them all in with open arms, knowing full well that they are the mainstream of "Taking Care of Business". That because of all those people standing in front of the gates at that little park - that they all had a hand somewhere down the line in making Elvis what he was, it was their loyalty, money, and youth that helped push his career to the memory it is today.

I have to admit that I am a little harsh when it comes to functions like this. But you know in all fairness, even in Memphis where the big bucks roll in... you have the opportunity to be a part of the whole thing, without wringing out your checkbook! With full screen movies, concerts, and sound piped outside of the complex across from the mansion, to the tent at the Graceland Crossing, where you can go and watch hundreds of people heading to the stage to belt out a tune or two. Even the at the hotel where the Images of Elvis contest takes place, you can go into the lobby at just about any hour and see one of the guys singing or jamming with the pack. Giving something to the people, the fans, and the memory of Elvis Presley.

Although Penticton boasted about all the street corner happenings, I personally was only witness to one free shindig. Something that was thrown together at a corner pub, outside... A Elvis Tribute Artist, Randy Friskie, Roy Orbison - Dereck Dee, and Patsy Cline-Candy Wright... together they pulled in hundreds of spectators, and a full street corner full of standing, sitting, walking-Elvis fans!

This particular night, there were many people there that could not or would not pay 45.00 an evening performance that was just down the way, including me! But you know what? The appreciation and standing ovations that was shown, for the 1 hour turned into 3 hour impromptu get together was intense. People loved it, and didn't want it to end!

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