Summer's Biggest Party

How could the original organizers of the Collingwood Elvis Festival, known in 1995 as the "Canadian Elvis Tribute & Convention," have predicted that fifteen years later, the event would have grown into the largest festival of its kind in the world? In 1995, the festival began with just 35 Elvis Tribute Artists. This year, the Collingwood Elvis Festival is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary in 2009, attracting over 120 Elvis Tribute Artists and thousands of fans from all over Canada, the United States and beyond.

Over the year, the former Elvis road Manager Joe Esposito has visited Collingwood. The Jordannaires backed up Elvis and have also appeared at the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Collingwood has welcomed marian Cocke, a nurse who looked after Elvis late in his life. Joe Guercio, Elvis' Music Director, Donna Presley-Early, his first cousin, Mike McGregor, his jeweller and Sue Anne Langdon, his "Roustabout" co-star have all been here.

In 2009, the world-wide appeal of the Collingwood Elvis Festival continues. Past Champion Dean Vegas from Australia returned, as did former Australian Mark Anthony who has since relocated to Ontario. Tribute Artist Paul Ross is based out of Austin, Texas, and tours throughout the United States presenting his "Elvis On Tour" Showcase. Dwight Icenhower was raised in Pomeroy, Ohio, and began performing the music of Elvis at the local fair when he was sixteen years of age. Randy Walker is known as Florida's "Voice of Elvis." Brent Morrey now lives in Switzerland and returned to Collingwood for the 2009 Collingwood Elvis Festival Past Champion Robin Kelly lives in Edmonton, Alberta. Eighteen year old Matthew Lawrence is the hometown favourite, growing up in Collingwood and performing in the past ten festivals. Joe Lourenco came to Canada from Portugal in 1977 and made his 12th appearance in Collingwood this year. The list goes on and on leaving no doubt that the Collingwood festival continues to grow after fifteen years.

Photos From The Festival