Being Elvis

Being Elvis

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During the four-day Collingwood Elvis Festival in a town north of Toronto, tribute artists and admirers of the singer often known as The King congregate.

Outsized collars, rhinestones and quiffs aplenty pay homage to an artist long dead but far from forgotten.

. Collingwood, Canada. Reuters/Chris Helgren

The Elvis fest is the biggest gathering of its kind. More than 100 artists pay homage to a singer who, almost 40 years after his death, remains one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Tribute artist Norm Ackland of London, Ontario, adorned with heavy rings on his fingers, started his career in 1968, when Elvis Presley was still alive.

. Collingwood, CANADA. Reuters/Chris Helgren

Last year’s festival attracted about 30,000 visitors. This time round, Brad Mitchell of Spokane, Washington was one of the performers during a talent contest.

Artists have until next July to plan how best to showcase those rhinestones again on their Elvis-inspired outfits.

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Slideshow

Tribute artist Robert Pooran of Etobicoke prepares before a gospel talent contest.
. Collingwood, Canada. Reuters/Chris Helgren

Tribute artist Robert Pooran of Etobicoke prepares before a gospel talent contest.

Tribute artists prepare in a dressing room for a gospel talent contest.
. Collingwood, CANADA. Reuters/Chris Helgren

Tribute artists prepare in a dressing room for a gospel talent contest.

Richard Wolfe of Hamilton, Ontario gets ready to perform.
. Collingwood, CANADA. Reuters/Chris Helgren

Richard Wolfe of Hamilton, Ontario gets ready to perform.

Joey Cundari of Brampton, Ontario performs "Jailhouse Rock" on a street stage.
. Collingwood, CANADA. Reuters/Chris Helgren

Joey Cundari of Brampton, Ontario performs "Jailhouse Rock" on a street stage.

Elvis Presley tribute artist Norm Ackland, Jr of Windsor, Ontario performs with his son Jax.
. Collingwood, CANADA. Reuters/Chris Helgren

Elvis Presley tribute artist Norm Ackland, Jr of Windsor, Ontario performs with his son Jax.

Gordie McNeil of Fort Erie, Ontario performs on a sidewalk.
. Collingwood, CANADA. Reuters/Chris Helgren

Gordie McNeil of Fort Erie, Ontario performs on a sidewalk.

Norm Ackland, Jr of Windsor, Ontario performs near dancers on a street stage.
. Collingwood, CANADA. Reuters/Chris Helgren

Norm Ackland, Jr of Windsor, Ontario performs near dancers on a street stage.

Tribute artist Marcus Wells of Toronto stands near festivalgoers.
. Collingwood, CANADA. Reuters/Chris Helgren

Tribute artist Marcus Wells of Toronto stands near festivalgoers.

Dan Barella of Staten Island, New York performs.
. Collingwood, CANADA. Reuters/Chris Helgren

Dan Barella of Staten Island, New York performs.

Alyssa Malfatti of Orangeville, Ontario is held by her father for a portrait in an Elvis cutout.
. Collingwood, CANADA. Reuters/Chris Helgren

Alyssa Malfatti of Orangeville, Ontario is held by her father for a portrait in an Elvis cutout.

An Elvis fan shows his T-shirt.
. Collingwood, CANADA. Reuters/Chris Helgren

An Elvis fan shows his T-shirt.