JULY 27, 2010 8:38 p.m.

This is the place to be for EVERYTHING Elvis
(in Collingwood!)

Collingwood Elvis Festival 2010 Videos:
Special thank you to Eric Rudd of Big Screen FX for all of the video footage! Great job!

The Winners are here! Check the "RESULTS 2010".
(All winners videos will be available soon)

Collingwood, ON – The 16th Annual Collingwood Elvis Festival, July 22-25, will feature a myriad of Associate Venue productions in additional to the Festival’s core performances. Associate Venues are regional bars, restaurants, and establishments that host licensed performances in support of and in collaboration with the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Businesses interested in becoming an Associate Venue in the future can call 705-444-1162 for more details.

This year’s Associate Venue productions include:

The First Hurrah Pub Crawl, Thursday, July 22, 2010
$Free, 6pm - 1am 19+ Pizza Hut, 275 First Street, 6pm - 7:30pm
Kelsey’s, 371 First Street, 7:30pm - 9pm Olde Town Terrace, 216 Hurontario Street, 9pm - 11pm Mogul’s Bar & Grill Indoor Venue, 32 Simcoe Street, 11pm - 1am Come out to the various venues and join in the open mic fun with the participating Tribute Artists. Participation is voluntary, not mandatory. Your first chance to mingle with the Elvis Tribute Artists while enjoying some social time with friends.
 
Best of the Fest, Friday, July 23, 2010
Olde Town Terrace, 219 Hurontario Street, $35 General Admission, 7pm - 1am
Featuring Collingwood Champions Shon Carroll, Anthony Von, Thane Dunn, and Dean Vegas, with your Host Brian Roman. The name says it all! Come out and enjoy some of the best featured Champions performing together with the fabulous Geri and the Koasters. Live music ends at 12am. Ambient music continues until 1am.

Elvis - Come Party with The King, Friday, July 23, 2010
Kelsey’s, 371 First Street, $15 General Admission, Doors open at 7pm, Show 8pm - 12am
Starring 1997 Professional Grand Champion Daylin James complimented by Rudy Salerno and the Angels. Also see Special Guest John Cigan perform for your listening pleasure. Live music ends at 12am.
Ambient music continues until 1am.

Elvis on Tour presented by Warner Home Entertainment, Saturday, July 24, 2010 Galaxy Cinema, 6 Mountain Road, $Free, 2pm
Come out at 1 p.m. and enjoy the Elvis stylings of Ray Guillemette, Jr., prior to the Special Advance screening of “Elvis On Tour” at 2 p.m. Also don’t miss your chance to meet & greet our Elvis V.I.P.s. – The Imperials
and listen to their unique stories of their times working and touring with Elvis himself.

Dining with The King, Saturday, July 24, 2010
Cranberry Resort, 19 Keith Avenue, $60 Dinner & Show, Cocktails at 5:30pm, Dinner at 6pm, Music 6:30pm - 10pm Enjoy the Elvis stylings of Bill Gallant, Aaron Gallant, David Stewart and Bruno Nesci while feasting on a buffet dinner in the William Watts Room. Cash bar available.
Tickets at www.thecranberryresort.com or 705-445-6600.

Roy LeBlanc in Concert, Saturday, July 24, 2010
Village at Blue Mountain, Jozo Weider Blvd, $Free, 7pm - 10pm
See 2001 Champion Roy LeBlanc and his RoyL Tribute Band perform Elvis favourites on the Village Stage.

Whole Lotta Elvis, Saturday, July 24, 2010
Olde Town Terrace, 219 Hurontario Street, $35 General Admission, 7pm - 1am
Featuring four incredible Collingwood Champions Paul Ross, David Lee, Daylin James, Dean Vegas with your Host Brian Roman. Enjoy your fill of great Elvis music played by the wonderful Geri & the Koasters and performed by these fabulous Tribute Artists. A show you won’t want to miss. Live music ends at 12am. Ambient music continues until 1am.

Elvis - The Party Continues, Saturday, July 24, 2010
Kelsey’s, 371 First Street, $15 General Admission, 7pm - 1am
The non-stop party will continue starring two great Collingwood Champions,
Robin Kelly and Gino Monopoli and backed by Rudy & the Angels.
Live music ends at 12am. Ambient music continues until 1 am.

Showcase of Collingwood Champions, Saturday, July 24, 2010
Moguls Bar & Grill, 32 Simcoe Street, $10 General Admission at Gate, 7pm - 1am 19+ See Australian Champion Dean Vegas, Glenn Aitchison, Dave Stewart, John Cigan and 2009 Champion Brent Morrey. Live music ends at 12am. Ambient music continues until 1am.

Elvis - That’s the Way It Was starring Stephen Kabakos, Saturday, July 24, 2010 Royal Canadian Legion, 490 Ontario Street, $40 General Admission, 7:30pm - 10pm 19+ Watch Award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist Stephen Kabakos as he re-creates some wonderful Elvis memories. Always a crowd pleaser, Stephen will thrill you with his style and his exciting presentation.

Elvis Returns with Anthony Von, Saturday, July 24, 2010
Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre, 12 Nelson Street E, $30, 8pm - 10pm
Step back in time and re-live those magical Elvis moments as “Elvis Returns” to Meaford, Ontario. Starring 1996 Grand Champion Anthony Von who is a crowd pleaser and presents a great tribute to the King of Rock n Roll, always leaving the audience shouting for more. For tickets visit www.meafordhall.ca or call 877-538-0463.

Elvis - Midnight in Vegas with Stephen Kabakos, Saturday, July 24, 2010
Royal Canadian Legion, 490 Ontario Street, $40 General Admission, 12am - 1:30am 19+ A new show capturing the feeling and ambience of Elvis’ first midnight Las Vegas performance. This one is sure to be a must see performance. Don’t miss this special concert appearance.

1st Annual Gospel Brunch, Sunday, July 25, 2010
Olde Town Terrace, 219 Hurontario Street, $17 General Admission, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Featuring Gospel Champions Roy LeBlanc and Anthony Von with David Muggeridge, and Mike Bravener. Enjoy a delicious brunch while enjoying the best of Elvis’ Gospel music.

The Legend Lives On Featuring Tim E., Sunday, July 25, 2010
Kelsey’s, 371 First Street, $15 General Admission, 1pm - 5pm
Come out to one of our newest venues to enjoy Elvis Tribute Artist, Tim E, featuring Rudy & the Angels showband. Enjoy great food, great friends, and a great show on a Sunday afternoon.

The Martels Rock the Terrace, Sunday, July 25, 2010
Olde Town Terrace, 219 Hurontario Street, $20 General Admission, 2pm - 6pm, Subject to Capacity.
Enjoy the very best of the 50’s & 60’s from the legendary Martels who are ready to “Rock the Terrace”.

Last Hurrah Party, Sunday, July 25, 2010
Olde Town Terrace, 219 Hurontario Street, $10 at Gate, 7pm - 1am, Subject to Capacity. 19+
Live performances end at 11pm. Ambient music continues until 1am. Entry wristbands for sale at door only. No advance reservations or purchases.

With more than 50 individual events and activities, totaling more than 232.5 hours of entertainment, the 16th Annual Collingwood Elvis Festival promises festival-goers four jam-packed days of Vegas-style shows, Tribute Artist competitions, outdoor concerts, children’s activities, collectibles, a midway, and a classic car parade. Join friends, family, and fans in the heart of Collingwood’s historic downtown, 1-½ hours north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Order your tickets today by calling toll free 1-866-444-1162 or purchase online at www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com.

© The Collingwood Elvis Festival is a licensee of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. 
Elvis and Elvis Presley are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., a subsidiary of CKX, Inc.

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For more information contact: media@collingwoodelvisfestival.com
 
 

Join International Award-Winning Tribute Artist Stephen Kabakos for an entertaining evening of Elvis Presley’s greatest concert-style performances, and classic hits!

Presenting the exquisite 14-member TVB Ensemble the night will feature pinnacle moments from the life, times and music of the King of Rock and Roll^®.

The night will be filled with the music of Elvis Presley^® and will highlight the fabulous 50’s, the Ed Sullivan guest performances, the incredible movie years, the leather clad 68 Comeback Special, and an ultimate tribute to Aloha From Hawaii.

Stephen Kabakos show, Elvis: The Way It Was, will be held at Collingwood’s beautifully remodelled and upscaled banquet centre at the Royal Canadian Legion. Tickets are $40.00. Doors 7:00 p.m. Show-time 7:30 p.m.

ALSO INTRODUCING FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER…..

We are excited to announce that Stephen Kabakos and the TVB Ensemble, in association with the Collingwood Elvis Festival will perform two great shows, on the same great night!

For additional information please look below:
“Stephen Kabakos presents Elvis^®: Midnight In Vegas”

© The Collingwood Elvis Festival is a licensee of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
Elvis, Elvis Presley and the King of Rock and Roll are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., a subsidiary of CKX, Inc.
 

©The Collingwood Elvis Festival is a licensee of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
© Elvis, Elvis Presley and the King of Rock and Roll are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., a subsidiary of CKX, Inc.
 

Release 3
Thursday, June 10, 2010
For Immediate Release

Collingwood, ON – With a roster of more than 50 individual events and activities, totaling more than 232.5 hours of entertainment, the 16th Annual Collingwood Elvis Festival promises festival-goers four jam-packed days of Vegas-style shows, Tribute Artist competitions in professional, non-professional, and youth categories, outdoor concerts, children’s activities, collectibles, a midway, and a classic car parade.

Long-standing supporter, Sirius Satellite Radio, returns in 2010 as title sponsor, and presenting sponsor of the three must-see events:

Official Collingwood Elvis Festival Tribute Artist Competition

This world-renowned competition begins with Elimination Rounds on Friday, July 23rd, beginning at 5pm at the Gayety Theatre, followed by Qualifying Rounds Saturday, July 24th and Semi-Finals Sunday, July 25th, both beginning at 11am and taking place in the Festival Gardens. The competition culminates at the Grand Finals, which take place Sunday, July 25th at 6pm in the Arena.

Elvis is Back Trivia Concert

Taking place Saturday, July 24th from 2pm to 4pm in the Arena, this unique Trivia Concert features Champion Elvis Tribute Artists Robin Kelly, Gino Monopoli, David Lee and Daylin James. Winners of the audience trivia contest will take home a show ticket prize package to the 2011 Collingwood Elvis Festival.

Canadian Star Challenge

Come out to watch 12 Canadian competitors vie for top honours to win a special career enhancing prize package. Audience members who are currently Sirius Satellite Radio subscribers or those wishing to try a free 14-day trial offer can become part of the judging panel for this exciting new competition. This event takes place on Sunday, July 25th at the Pine & Second Street Event Lot from 12pm to 4pm.

Returning sponsor OLG is pleased to present the Tribute Artist Showcase taking place Friday, July 23rd in the Festival Gardens from 4pm to 12am. This afternoon and evening outdoor concert is a summer favourite for Collingwood Elvis Festival fans. A myriad of Tribute Artist performances will be backed by a mix of tracks and live accompaniment from the Casino Brothers Festival Houseband.

Metro…Food at its best returns again in 2010 to sponsor the Festival VIP Lounge, two pancake breakfasts in cooperation with Batter Blaster, and Elvis – A Birthday Celebration with Warner Home Entertainment. The Rise & Shine and Greet the Dawn Pancake Breakfasts take place Saturday and Sunday morning from 7:30am to 11am in the Second Street Food Court. Elvis – A Birthday Celebration takes place on Sunday, July 25th at 2pm in the Gayety Theatre and features a special screening of the film Elvis on Tour, a meet and greet with VIPs The Imperials and of course a giant birthday cake! Warner Home Entertainment will also host an Elvis on Tour screening at the Galaxy Cinema on Saturday, July 24th at 2pm.

New this year, Rogers Communications Inc. presents Kidsfest Village. This newly enhanced event features music, inflatables, crafts and activities. Taking place Saturday, July 24th and Sunday, July 25th from 9am to 5pm at The Station, this is the ultimate fun zone for children under 12. Partnering sponsors include Collus, Scenic Caves Adventure Tours, Walker Industries Georgian Paving, and Elephant Thoughts.

“Without the support of our faithful returning sponsors and the commitment of so many new sponsors, the Collingwood Elvis Festival simply could not operate on the scale that is does. We are very grateful to these businesses and organizations,” says Festival Chair Peter Dunbar.

The Collingwood Elvis Festival is once again the proud recipient of the Government of Ontario’s Celebrate Ontario Grant. Enhancing the Kidsfest Village and various patron comforts throughout the festival, the Government of Ontario granted $75,000 to the 2010 Collingwood Elvis Festival.

Festival organizers are thrilled to have the support of returning sponsors Sirius Satellite Radio, Town of Collingwood, Collingwood Downtown, OLG, Molson, Blackfly, Metro…Food at its best, Robinson’s Paint & Wallpaper, National Car & Truck Rental, Blue Mountain Resorts, Westin Trillium House, 3L Productions, Warner Home Entertainment, Waters Boys, and GTA Midways. Welcomed partners in 2010 include Collus, Scenic Caves Adventure Tours, Elephant Thoughts, Rogers Communications Inc., Hamilton Watch, Batter Blasters, Cirque du Soleil, Bell, Aria Casino Resort & Spa, Walker Industries Georgian Paving, ProElvis Jumpsuits, MasterPix Collingwood, Big Screen F/X, and Gough Design.

For a full listing of events and links to supporting sponsors, visit www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com.

The 16th Annual Collingwood Elvis® Festival, the largest in the world, takes place Thursday, July 22 – Sunday, July 25, 2010. Join friends, family, and fans in the heart of Collingwood’s historic downtown, 1-½ hours north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for four days of unparalleled entertainment. Order your tickets today by calling toll free 1-866-444-1162 or purchase online at www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com.

© The Collingwood Elvis Festival is a licensee of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Elvis and Elvis Presley are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., a subsidiary of CKX, Inc.

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For more information contact:

media@collingwoodelvisfestival.com

Box 484, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4B2, 866-444-1162

On July 31, 1969, Elvis Presley walked out on the stage of the Las Vegas Hilton International Hotel for the first time in nine years and sang before an audience of celebrities and fans from all over the world. Accompanying him on that momentous evening was a 40 piece orchestra, conducted by Joe Guercio, the TCB Band, the Sweet Inspirations, Millie Kirkham, and the Imperials.

For the next three years, the Imperials backed Elvis in Las Vegas and on road tours. They also recorded such hits as "Suspicious Minds" and "In the Ghetto" with the king of rock and roll. They can be seen in his hit movie, "That's The Way It Is". Their history with Elvis is well documented and available to all interested Elvis fans. Many fans of years gone by and a new generation of Elvis fans who never saw him are fascinated by this extraordinary man who made history.

These former members of the Imperials who were there in 1969 and throughout succeeding years, now have re-formed and are busy doing concerts and appearances all over the world to Elvis fans who want to "meet someone who knew Elvis".

Terry Blackwood, lead singer and son of one of the original Blackwood Brothers Qt., and Joe Moscheo, bass singer and manager of that original group, have gotten together. They have many stories to tell and welcome the chance to sing to Elvis fans. They are joined by Sherman Andrus, who came to the Imperials in 1972, just when the group had decided to go back to their gospel roots. Elvis thought so much of Sherman that he gave him a TCB necklace and also gave the group his blessings. The tenor, Gus Gaches, has a rich history in gospel music and will thrill you with his soaring high notes. They have been featured at the 20th and 25th anniversary concerts in Memphis, commemorating the death of Elvis, and have toured around the world with the "Elvis, The Concert" show, also featuring the Sweet Inspirations, the TCB Band, and Joe Guercio, orchestra leader.

Consider an evening with the Imperials as they sing the songs Elvis sang. Maybe you have an Elvis tribute artist who would love to sing with the group Elvis thought was the best. Or let them "do their thing" and they will thrill you with their rendition of gospel songs which Elvis loved so much.

Paul “Paco” Danesi > Musical Director, Bass Guitar and Vocals
When it comes to covering all the bases of the musical entertainment industry, Paul Danesi has been there and back. From Rhythm and Blues, Classic Rock and Roll, Musical comedies and theatrical productions of all kinds, Paul has been entertaining countless audiences in many different capacities. As a musical producer and director, he has worked with some of the finest talent and Shows in the country Including “The Roy Orbison Story” with Sam Orbison [brother] which toured Ireland in 2003 and The Jordanaires just to name a very few. As an accomplished performer, he has also integrated his musicianship and organizational skills with these productions as an Arranger, Musical Director , Bass guitarist, lead and back-up Vocalist to form his own Production Company “ Live Concepts” which always provides the most Professional and Highest Quality Productions in the business.

Marco Spadafora > Drums -Percussion & vocals
Marco has been Drumming since 1972. His first musical influence was non other than Elvis Presley which he practiced along to in his basement.
Marco has made a successful career from Drumming covering all styles of music and performing all across North America . He currently is employed with Scotiabank as a personal banking officer helping every customer achieve their financial goals.

Ben Jokela > Keyboards & Vocals
Ben Jokela, Pianist and Keyboardist, hails originally from New Brunswick. He came to Toronto to study at Humber College where he received an honours diploma in jazz/commercial music performance with a minor in arranging. He has been working in the greater Toronto area since 1995 where he has established himself as one of the top keyboard players in the area for live or studio situations. Ben is also an established music teacher having taught music lessons since 1992. Ben now in Guelph, runs his own business - The Music House - teaching lessons and recording. Ben currently plays regularly with R&B singer, Virgil Scott, multi-talented Krista Blondin, and with various tribute artists in the theatre and casino circuit. Ben has also worked with many other artists including MCA Country Recording Artist Lawnie Wallace; Funk/Disco showband Downstroke, and many more.

Jay Vasquez > Lead - Rhythm Guitars & Vocals
Jay Vazquez was born in Mexico City and since he was a kid he showed a very strong interest and talent for music. He started playing piano at the age of 6 and added guitar and bass guitar a few years later.Jay would formally compliment his formation studying in the Escuela Nacional de Musica and other prestigious music schools in Mexico.His training in Classic led him to the understanding of Jazz and eventually to a big passion for the Blues he got most of his influences from. The African-American music found him and his own music turned into a very exciting fusion of Soul, Funk, Blues, R&B and an extraordinary twist of Latin he could never deny.Playing his original compositions as well as tributes to the artists he has been influenced by, Jay has now shared stages in several countries with big names such as Winton Marsalis, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, The Family Stone and many more.

Victor J. Hanson > Acoustic Guitar & Vocals
Victor J. Hanson has been a professional Musician / Comedian / Impressionist for more years than he has Hair. Originally from Toronto, he’s been busy with his one man Comedy Show “Splitting Hairs”. Performing from Alaska to Las Vegas & everywhere in between.
Carol Hunter from Lady Luck Music says: “He is a National Treasure! I’ve never gone to an event featuring Victor J. without absolutely enjoying myself and laughing all evening.”
This weekend Victor hangs up his Funny Shoes to join the amazing Casino Bros, for his first love… Music of The King. (Victor is a proud Casino Cousin.)
Victor J has had the pleasure of working with musical greats such as Marty Robbins, The Oak Ridge Boys, Roch Voisine, Doc Walker, Valdy, Jason McCoy, Farmers Daughter, & Michelle Wright to name a few.
Drop him a line any time at www.victorj.com

The Roulettes
Backup Singers Extraordinaire

Daphne Moens > Vocals
Daphne Moens: Daphne trained at Queen's University for Drama and Voice and Sheridan College's Musical Theatre Performance Program. She has performed in musicals in the US and Canada and has been singing with Elvis tribute artists since 2004. Most recently she has been working for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a Featured Singer in the US and Europe.

Lora Cotter > Vocals
Lora is ecstatic to be returning to the Collingwood festival this year. After taking a hiatus from singing with a gruelling work schedule she has decided to return to her passion. She has performed with the Casino Brothers on numerous occasions, and is absolutely delighted to be sharing the stage with them again. Having finished a B.A. at Queens University in Music and Drama, and completing her training at Sheridan College in the Music Theatre Performance program she is no stranger to the spotlight. She has performed in various musicals, operettas, opening acts, plays, and has performed as back-up vocalist in theatres across the country. Enjoy the festival!!

The Black Jacks
Horn Section

Larry Gerow > Trombone
Since completing his formal training in the jazz program at St. Francis Xavier University, Larry Gerow has been an active performer, arranger and educator. In addition to working with the Casino Bros he regularly performs with and writes for Lulu's Legendary House Band. In his spare time, Larry runs the instrumental music program at Branksome Hall in Toronto.

Scott Marshall - Tenor Sax / Flute
Calgary-born and now Toronto-based saxophonist, composer and arranger Scott Marshall is highly sought-after for his skills within the jazz community, film and television world, and the Toronto jobbing scene. On June 20 Marshall proudly and officially unveiled his second CD of original music "Nine Moments of Time"; recorded with the Scott Marshall Quartet. His first album "Face It" was recorded in 2002 with the Scott Marshall Trio. In addition to his leading his own projects, Marshall has also performed with a lengthy diverse list of accomplished musicians including: Persian superstar Shadmehr Aghilli, Hot Toddy, Lyne Tremblay, Out of Order, Whitney Smith's Big Steam Band, and the Juno-winning big-band NOJO. Music has taken him around the world to locales such as Dubai; Stockholm and Goteborg Sweden; Koln, Germany; Amsterdam; London and Manchester, England; New York City; and Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Fredericton & Halifax here in Canada.

Steve Crowe – Trumpet
 

MAY 23, 2010
DEAN VEGAS

The pride of Australia, Dean has also played in Las Vegas, Indonesia, Tonga and Bali, as well as across the United States and Canada. He was chosen from over 100 tribute acts to co-host the TV show Pop Across America and was invited by special invitation to perform at the Elvis Memorial Dinner in Memphis, Tennessee.

Collingwood is proud to recognize our 2000 Professional Grand Champion, Dean Vegas, as an outstanding Collingwood Elvis Festival Ambassador and to have him returning to our event in 2010 to once again thrill the Elvis fans with his talent, wit and charm.

Born and raised in poverty in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1935, Elvis Aaron Presley regularly attended church at the First Assembly of God parish with his parents Gladys and Vernon.

The family would often gather on the front porch to sing gospel, usually joined by a host of aunts, uncles and cousins who regularly dropped in for impromptu singalongs. Elvis was so entranced by these singing sessions that his mother even bought him a guitar so he could learn to play along and add a new dynamic to the songs.

By the late 1940s, Memphis had become a Mecca for gospel music. By now a teenager, Elvis took advantage of the musical flavor of the city by taking in gospel wherever he could.

In an effort to deflect some of the criticism and prove that he was just a regular God-fearing boy from the South, Elvis opted to perform a gospel number during a January 1957 appearance on the popular Ed Sullivan Show. In his third appearance in less than six months on the popular Sunday night variety program, Elvis sang “Peace in the Valley,” backed by gospel quartet the Jordanaires.

The response from fans to Elvis’ performance was immediate and clear: more Elvis gospel, please. His record label RCA scheduled two studio sessions shortly after the Sullivan appearance to record four gospel tracks to be released on a ’45 EP. The record, released in April 1957 sold extremely well and fueled even more demand for inspirational music by way of the King of Rock & Roll TM.

Elvis released his first full-length gospel album, His Hand in Mine.

The album was the first of three gospel albums that Elvis would release during his career, the other two being How Great Thou Art, which won him Grammys for Best Sacred Performance and Best Inspirational Performance, and He Touched Me, which nabbed the Grammy for Best Inspirational Performance.

It was because of the popularity of Elvis’ gospel music that the Collingwood Elvis Festival began the “Inspirational Elvis” Gospel Competition in 2005.

Since then, we have watched this incredible showcase become one of our most popular and well attended events featuring “Invitation Only” competitors singing a wonderful selection of Elvis’ finest gospel and inspirational music.

If you love Elvis and you love Gospel music this would be a must-see event during your visit to the Collingwood Elvis Festival.

Join us on Sunday, July 26th, at 9:00 a.m. in our Arena as we celebrate life, love and faith through our Non-Denominational Worship Service hosted by Ron Moore and featuring songs of praise performed by various Elvis Tribute Artists. A freewill offering is appreciated in support of our officiating church.

Followed by the Inspirational Elvis Gospel Competition, also in our Arena, at 1 p.m. featuring performances by seventeen Tribute Artists. Your host in 2009 is the 2008 Gospel Champion Roy LeBlanc. It is an afternoon you will not soon forget.

How Much Do You Know about the Elvis Festival!

Historical Facts:

• Festival began in 1995 with only 35 Tribute Artists in the Ballroom at the Vacation Inn (now the Georgian Manor Resort) and was the brainchild of an actual Tribute Artist
• Was first recognized as the Canadian National Elvis Tribute & Convention and operated unsanctioned and unlicensed
• Event became licensed with Elvis Presley Enterprises in 1996 and has continued as a licensed event ever since
• Event became the Collingwood Elvis Festival, an incorporated company, in 1997 and was managed by a Volunteer Management Board with it’s owners being the Downtown B.I.A. & the local Chamber of Commerce
• Town of Collingwood took over ownership of the event in 2003 making the Collingwood Elvis Festival a true “municipal” event
• The Festival has grown to include over 130 Tribute Artists each year and has individual events operating throughout the Town of Collingwood and surrounding area
• Collingwood Elvis Festival is internationally recognized as the “largest Elvis Festival in the World” and the benchmark by which all other Elvis Festivals operate
• The Festival was recognized as one of the two originally selected Preliminary locations for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, TN.

• Named one of the “Top 50/100 Festivals in Ontario” from 2001 to 2009 
• selected from among over 3,000 Festivals throughout the province 
• Has won many Awards including Best Poster, Best Printed Program, Best Overall Promotional Campaign, Best Newspaper Insert and Best Printed Program. 
• In 2008, Festival received an Achievement Award for the Best Virtual Campaign (Website) at the Festival & Events Ontario Achievement Awards. 
• Celebrating our Fifteenth (15th) Anniversary in 2009, the Festival historically expanded to a four day event format back in 2004, our 10th Anniversary year. 
• Received a Special Merit Award in 2001 & 2004 from the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards 
• Received Nominations for Employee of the Year and Best Customer Service at the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards in 2002 and 2003
• Received a Special Recognition from the Ontario Government for our Special Merit Award in 2004 from the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards 
• Received the Reader’s Choice Award in 2005 to 2008 for “Favourite Community Event” 
• In 2006, the Festival received in excess of 8,000,000 media impressions through their extensive marketing campaign 
• Received a T.E.M.P.P. Marketing grant for 3 consecutive years from 2006 to 2008 from Tourism Ontario.
• Among the select few to receive a Celebrate Ontario grant in 2007 through 2009 from the Ministry of Tourism for the Province of Ontario. Funds are used to make improvements to Town facilities. Among those improvements were a new Arena floor for events, additional permanent power upgrades to Pine Street and newly installed permanent power to the Ste. Marie Street parking lot. 

• Managed by a Municipal Services Board established in 2003 now with eight (8) voting members representing the Town of Collingwood – 3 votes; Downtown B.I.A. – 2 votes; and three appointed Community Representative votes.
• Staff includes a full-time Festival General Manager, several contract employees & one (1) volunteer office staff.
• Operates with the support of approximately 100 volunteers & 60 paid casual weekend staff annually
• More than twenty (20) portfolio positions available encompassing all facets of the festival operations
• Report annually to the Members of the Town Council for approvals to proceed
• Governed under an annual License Agreement with Elvis Presley Enterprises in order to use the imaging and name of Elvis Presley

Financial Information:

• Festival operating budget - $556,500 in 2009; $638,000 in 2008; $626,000 in 2007; $565,000 in 2006; $412,000 in 2005; $385,000 in 2004; and $305,000 in 2003.
• Local spending represents approximately ½ the annual budget between 2006-2008.
• In excess of $1,000,000 was invested back into the local community through local spending between 2005 and 2008. This does not include visitor dollars spent in local retailers and accommodations. Over $457,000 was spent in Marketing between 2005-2008 for the Festival and the Town of Collingwood.
• It is estimated that several hundreds of thousands of dollars was raised by Service Clubs or Not-For-Profit organizations who partnered with the event between 2002 & 2008
• This is a multi-million dollar revenue generating event throughout Simcoe and Grey counties resulting from the four (4) day event. Only a small fraction of that revenue is realized by the Festival directly
• In excess of 60 jobs have been created in the Collingwood and surrounding areas including salaried, casual weekend and contract employment as a result of event.
• The Municipality continues to be a supporter through event sponsorship, however between 2003 to 2008, over $40,000.00 in rental fees were paid back into the Town of Collingwood coffers for use of Town facilities & services.

• To develop more event ideas, promotions and revenue sources in order to secure the future of the event in a competitive and expanding marketplace. 
• To work co-operatively with other Elvis Festivals & Elvis Presley Enterprises in establishing and recognizing the Collingwood Elvis Festival as the “template” for the standard of operations in the Industry. 
• To further develop our Festival website to include additional revenue generating opportunities through banner ads. 
• To allow more accessibility to ticket sales through a Festival owned, operated & controlled ticketing program. 
• To continue enhancing co-operative business relationships with the Ministry of Tourism and Elvis Presley Enterprises through marketing strategies, cross-border promotions and government funding initiatives. 
• To make our event more community and environment friendly. 
• To develop more events that will assist in promoting local talent, increased youth participation and an overall appreciation of the Arts through music. 
• To investigate the possibility of utilizing some of our beautiful waterfront parks as event sites to introduce our area visitors to some of the natural beauty that surrounds Collingwood 
• To develop unique partnership opportunities with our surrounding communities in order to expand, but not dilute, the Collingwood Elvis Festival by offering more events and options for attendees. 
• To utilize the Festival popularity and visibility to better introduce and promote the Town of Collingwood internationally to potential investors and future residents. 
• To make the Festival completely self-sustaining financially through sponsorship