Dear Friends:

This is our busiest autumn in our history!

After several consultations with the manager of the Rusty Rudder, we made the decision to fly out to Dewey Beach in spite of the storm warnings. We flew into Baltimore on Wednesday into a gorgeous sunny day.
Wednesday night, we settled ourselves into our hotel, a concrete structure designated a "safe area." We woke up Thursday morning to driving rain and wind. We walked down to the ocean (2 blocks) to see the huge waves. A friend videotaped us with our backs to the ocean. As Ronny, Jerome, Irv and I stood smiling at the camera, a huge wave came over the dunes and slapped all of us in the back. After much laughter, we went back to dry off.

The weather report called for rain on Friday with clearing in the late afternoon. Friday morning, when I opened my eyes and looked out the window, the sun was shining in a bright blue sky. We never saw another cloud for the entire weekend.

Friday night, because several of the ETA's had called to say they would not arrive until Saturday, we had a showcase and each performer had several chances to sing. The crowd was large and very appreciative!

Saturday night, the Rusty Rudder was overflowing! Many boats pulled up to the dock and fans danced and cheered from the decks. Congratulations to winners:

1st - Jim Barone - Bayville, NJ
2nd - Irv Cass - South Bend, IN
3rd - Gary Britt - Plant City, FL
4th - Flynn Ward - England
5th - Brad Crum - Halifax, PA
6th - Wayne Rippy - Arlington, VA

Next year, the contest ill be expanded to 3 days and they are adding another contest in March!

The following week found us in Lincoln, NE, for the Husker Auto Group Contest. The first place winner received a 1965 Cadillac Coupe de Ville! It was just gorgeous! A shiny new paint job in "Elvis® Pink" and wonderful new upholstery in pure white. Second and third place winners received $500 and $300. The winners were:

1st - Jim Barone - Bayville, NJ
2nd - John Loos - Cheyenne, WY
3rd - Giorgio Montini - Memphis, TN

A short note about this beautiful car:

A Cadillac dealer joined us after the contest. If Jim decides to sell the car (I don't think so!), he advised a sales price of $25,000. Pretty nice prize!

The Husker staff were wonderful hosts and we are looking forward to next year.

The first week in October found us in Boonville, MO, with the fabulous Exspence Account Showband at the Isle of Capri for one of their preliminary contests for the big $50,000 grand prize. This is a lovely, clean and friendly casino in a charming Missouri town. The contestants rocked the house! Winners were:

1st - Matt King - Dearborn Heights, MI
2nd - Jesse Aron - Janesville, WI
3rd - Gary Britt - Plant City, FL

Next week, we will be in Portage, IN, for the Elvis® FANtasy Fest. It's three days of fun with multiple vendors, showcases, contest, and lots of Elvis®' friends.
Of course, the special Olympians are the reason for the Fest and Sunday, when they all march up on the stage to the sound of American Trilogy, there won't be a dry eye in the place!

We mourn the untimely death of Julie Parrish. We send our prayers to her family, fans, and friends.

Chicagoland is enjoying beautiful weather - bright blue skies and crisp nights. My mums are booming in glorious colors. I wish you a very happy fall and a fun Halloween!

Happy birthday to October boys - Joe Tirrito, Leo Days, Jack Curtis, Todd Allen, John Brooks, Eric Erickson, and John Loos. Party hardy, guys!

Nance