13th Annual Elvis Festival-"The Magic of Elvis" August 26, 2012

It’s no illusion The Magic of Elvis lives on and it will be in full force during the 13th Annual Elvis Festival, which returns Sunday, August 26 at the Orange County Market Place, the weekend swap meet at the O.C. Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

The Elvis Festival is a full day tribute to the King of Rock and Roll from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., featuring several Elvis Tribute Artists and Special Guests Darlene Tompkins (Elvis’ 1961 co-star in “Blue Hawaii”) and Author-Photographer-Performer and long-time friend of Elvis, Jimmy Velvet. Another special guest will be introduced via the West Coast Launch of Mr. Potato Head as Blue Hawaii Elvis released by PPW Toys and licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises and Hasbro.

Tribute artists, ranging in ages 18 to 60, will infuse their talents and music styles to their performances. This includes Kirk Wall the Festival host since its inception, who will do Bluegrass versions of Elvis hits and play the fiddle as well as a Blue Hawaii medley accompanied by the Halau Hula Lani Ola Dancers.

Also Martin Anthony, KaraokeFest’s 2011 Crème de la King winner, singing 50’s Elvis hits and featuring dancers from Watson Dance Studio of Orange; Mini Elvis Mighty Mike Murga; Steven Williamson, tribute artist and Magic Castle magician performing magic and Elvis; Danny Jacobson as Elvis doing music impersonations of stars and Hollywood legends; Dave Hoover, Las Vegas Elvis and Lil Joe Banuelos mixing Beatles with Elvis.

Other activities include Elvis Fan Clubs, Rock-a-Hula Hoop Contest, Crème de la King Elvis Singing Competition presented by Karaoke Scene Magazine; a King of Sundaes Ice Cream Eating Contest presented by Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurants; an Elvis Quartet; stilt walking Elvis and Priscilla Presley; a classic car display featuring the Cadillac Kings Car Clubs, an Elvis Trivia Bee and much more.

Spudrunners Food Truck will offer an Elvis favorite: Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches.

The Festival traditionally follows Elvis Week in Graceland, TN, which this year runs from August 10 - 18 honoring his life and music. On August 21st, The Orange County Market Place will present an Elvis Flash Mob at 5:30 p.m. with location disclosed at a later date.

Elvis Festival is held in conjunction with the weekend swap meet at the Orange County Fairgrounds, which features nearly 1,000 merchants selling a variety of products and services. Since 1969 the Orange County Market Place has been held every Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. All events at Elvis Festival are included in the price of admission to the swap meet, which is $2 for general, and free for children 12 and under.

For more information on the Orange County Market Place and a complete schedule for Elvis Festival visit www.ocmarketplace.com or call (949)723-6660.

Official Website: http://www.ocmarketplace.com