Georgian Triangle

Elvis convention attracts hundreds

Everywhere you walked in COLLINGWOOD during the last weekend in July you could see Elvis. Actually they were Elvis impersonators in town for the third annual Canadian Elvis tribute and convention.

COLLINGWOOD -- Elvis may have left this world, but his spirit is alive in Collingwood. Hundreds of people who look and sound like the famous singer come to Collingwood in late July. It was the Third Annual Canadian Elvis Tribute and Convention.

Some people make it their job to act like Elvis. They are impersonators and they entertain people by dressing, dancing and singing just like the King of Rock and Roll. Other people are just great fans of the singer. They enjoy travelling around and meeting other Elvis fans. Both kinds of these people were in Collingwood for the celebrations.

It was four days of fun that included concerts, a giant Elvis parade, and a contest to pick who were the best impersonators. There was also lots for fans to do like hula hoop contests, dances, midway and tables of Elvis souvenirs. On the last day of the celebrations a special concert was held. It included people who used to play in Elvis' band and his back-up singers.

The theme of this year's convention was "Aloha from Canada." The idea was to make people aware that Canada and Canadian fans played an important part in Elvis' life. Canada was the only country outside the United States where Elvis performed.

COLLINGWOOD -- Over 80 people visited Collingwood for the Elvis convention and tried to win a contest for looking or sounding the most like the King of Rock and Roll. Most of the impersonators seemed to like the look Elvis had later in his life. There were lots of long sideburns, glitter jackets, tight, white polyester pants and died black hair. There were some local people who participated in the contest. Barry Moyle of Palmerston was the second-runner up in the Canadian Professional division. The winner came from Thunder Bay.

Wayne Neitzel of Kincardine was third runner-up in the Canadian Amateur division. The winner was from Orleans, Ontario.

Gary McMillon of Shallow lake was fourth runner-up in the International Amateur division. The winner was from New York.

The winner in the International Professional division came from Massachusetts.