Actually, several Elvis have arrived for Collingwood’s 13th Annual Elvis Festival which is the largest of it’s kind in the world! For the next four days, thousands of visitors from around the world will come to remember the life and career of Elvis Presley who passed away 30 years ago. There are numerous events planned and there really is something for just about everyone.
The “locals” have mixed reviews. On one hand, it’s frustrating to go about our normal business when the downtown is closed off (and with that, easy access to banks, shops, offices) and the streets and side roads are jammed with traffic and vehicles for the duration. Strange men in fake sideburns and greased hair wander around in too-tight jumpsuits while over-tanned and over-aged women in skimpy outfits and big hair collect autographs. The 50′s vehicles, the beads, the kitsch all come out in full view and it can be a bit much at times but, the event is worth it for the town. Thousands of people who visit our community for the first time during the festival, come back later to vacation and take in the real Collingwood at a later date. We could never buy the kind of advertising that is generated for the town as it gets media attention around the world. And, while few will admit to it, it’s fun. Gotta run now and find my Blue Suede Shoes.¦
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter by clicking here.
