Elvis Fest opens Wednesday in Lake George
LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. >> Carol Moyer of South Glens Falls has been attending the Lake George Elvis Festival since it began 13 years ago.
Now she’s introducing a new generation of fans to the “King of Rock-n-Roll” whose life, music and legacy is being celebrated this week during the five-day event.
“I bring 6- and 7-year-old friends who call me ‘Aunt’ Carol,” Moyer said. “When they leave, they’re singing Elvis songs, too. Their mothers can’t believe it. The tribute artists keep Elvis’s memories alive and well.”
Dozens of performers will be at the festival, which begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday with a free opening night ceremony, including performances by headline tribute artists, at the Shepard Park amphitheater in Lake George.
From Friday to Sunday, more than 50 people will vie for $10,000 in prize money and a chance to represent Lake George at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, during Elvis Week in August, in Memphis, Tenn.
Presley died 40 years ago
this summer, at 42, on Aug. 16, 1977.
The contest has five categories representing different stages of Presley’s career —Professional Early-Years, Professional 70s, Non-Professional Early-Years, Non-Professional 70s, and a Youth category.
Moyer’s favorite Elvis tune is from the 1950s — “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.”
Just like his wide variety of music, from “Jailhouse Rock” to gospel favorites, this week’s festival has something for everyone.
Wednesday’s free concert will be followed at 8:30 p.m. with an Opening Night Party at Adirondack Pub & Brewery where Elvis singer-actors will again treat listeners to many of Presley’s most popular songs. This event is free with a ticket pass.
The highlight on Thursday is an 8 p.m. “Ten Years of Ultimate Elvises” concert at Lake George Forum, starring tribute artists Bill Cherry, Brandon Bennett, Cody Ray Slaughter and Jay Dupuis.
Also Thursday, a Past Champions dinner is set for 4 p.m. at the Shoreline Restaurant, and an After Hours Party is scheduled for 11 p.m. at King Neptune’s Pub.
Tribute artist competition begins Friday, June 2 and runs all day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Forum.
Also Friday, guests can enjoy meeting and listening to Elvis during a lake cruise aboard the Adirondack tour boat; take in another “Ten Years of Ultimate Elvises” concert, at 8 p.m., featuring past Lake George grand champions Tim E Hendry and Robert Washington; and finish the day off with an 11 p.m. After Hours Party at the Boardwalk Restaurant.
Another full slate of activities is slated Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. with an Elvis Classic Car Parade down Canada Street. The procession, featuring tribute artists, goes from Lake George High School to the Forum.
At 10 a.m., the tribute artist contest resumes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Forum.
At noon, people can meet Elvis, dressed in beautiful regalia, at locals bars and restaurants during an Elvis Around Town event.
During the afternoon, three separate Elvis lake cruises are planned aboard the Minne-Ha-Ha at 1:30, 3 and 4 p.m., featuring Robert Washington, Bruce Stewart and Tim Hendry, respectively. For reservations call (518) 668-5777.
From 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Shoreline Restaurant is hosting Dinner with Elvis; another “Ten Years of Ultimate Elvises” concert takes place at 8 p.m. featuring Ben Portsmouth, Dean Z, David Lee and Dwight Icenhower; and an After Hours Party will be held at 11 p.m. at King Neptune’s Pub.
The festival concludes Sunday, starting from 10:30 a.m. to noon with an Elvis Gospel Music Celebration. Then comes one of the main highlights, the final round of the Tribute Artist Contest from 1:30-6 p.m.
The festival closes with an 8 p.m. party at King Neptune’s Pub.
Elvis Festival is the first big attraction of the summer season in Lake George and is followed the next week by Americade, when more than 50,000 touring motorcycles descend on the village.
For more information about Elvis Festival, including a list of performers and schedule of events, go to: lakegeorgeelvisfest. com.