The Lake George Elvis Festival kicked off last night with a free show in Shepard Park. An audience of approximately 600 packed the amphitheatre and park grounds as tribute artists gave a taste of what’s to come over the next several days in Lake George Village. This is the 13th year for the event, which is produced by Sherry Management. While Elvis definitely retained his reign as King at last night’s show, the audience was brought back to a certain era with tributes to Johnny Cash, Tom Jones, Ricky Nelson and the Godfather of Soul James Brown.
In opening remarks, producer Jason Sherry said that when the festival debuted in 2004, he never expected it to be this big 13 years later. The Lake George event, according to Sherry Management, has grown to be the second-largest Elvis Tribute Artist Competition in the world.
Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5, shows and competitions will be held at the Lake George Forum on Canada Street. The competition finals, which will determine the champion, are set for Sunday afternoon. A few tickets are still available for these shows.
Saturday morning features an Elvis classic car parade. Elvis tribute artists will be chauffeured in vintage automobiles from the Lake George High School to the Lake George Forum. The cars begin to roll at 9 a.m. Local radio station WCKM, a festival sponsor, is providing music for the parade.
Sunday, 9:30 to 11 a.m., tribute artists Dwight Icenhower, Michael Chambliss and Robert Washington will perform in an Elvis Music Gospel Celebration. This event is free, but promoters will be collection donations for the United Way at the show. Village restaurants and taverns will host parties and other events featuring tribute artists. Elvis fans will also have the opportunity to cruise with tribute artists on Lake George Steamboat Company vessels. Visit the Lake George Elvis Festival website for a complete schedule of events.