Dear Friends:

Summer is here - my garden is in and the contests are in full swing.
What an exciting year!

Before the contests, however, we put on "Elvis Meets the Beatles" for the Animal Welfare League. What a response! The Lexington House in Hickory Hills, IL was packed to the gills! We even filled the balcony! Irv Cass, Dwight Icenhower, Steve Bobbitt (Rod Stewart) rocked the house backed by the Exspence Account Showband. American English was wonderful as usual. Even Marilyn Monroe dropped in! Sara found time to adopt an adorable 6-toed kitten she calls "Star."

Wednesday, May 30, Kathy, Sara, Ronny and I flew to New York. This year, we rented an SUV so that we could get around Lake George without worry. We met Dwight Icenhower at the Albany Airport. Ronny and Dwight was truly magicians getting all our luggage into the car and even leaving room for us! We were thrilled to move into a brand new Wingate Inn (opened 2 days earlier).

We spent Thursday greeting all the ETA's coming in from all over the world. Thursday night, we gathered at the Adirondack Restaurant, compliments of John Carr, for a great buffet and open microphone. Irv had Preston, his adorable 8-month old son, there and the young man seemed to enjoy the evening.

Friday morning, we began the contest. Each ETA sang 2 songs, ably backed by the Exspence Account Showband. Kathy, Marie, Sara and I stayed on time all day and managed to get through 66 contestants! The volunteers took wonderful care of everyone - providing water and snacks all day. They even made sure that Ronny and I had our very necessary coffee!

Friday night, the action moved to Shepard's Park where we had our opening ceremonies. After comments by Mayor Bob Blaze, Irv and Dwight sang leading up to our candle-lighting ceremony. Doug Church capped the evening with his wonderful song, "I'll Be With You Always." The weather was gorgeous and over 1000 people enjoyed the show under a "blue moon."

Fans rushed to the dock to board the Minnie HaHa for the Elvis Cruise. Dwight Icenhower entertained and urged other ETA's to sing. The cruisers enjoyed a fantastic fireworks display reflected in the lake.

Next, Irv Cass hosted a late night sock hop at the Boardwalk which was a huge success.

Saturday morning, the ETA's rode in the Classic Car Parade while we began the second phase of the contest. As usual, Terry Collins did a masterful job of scheduling all the ETA's - getting them through the parade, to their individual venues and to the Forum for judging.

Saturday night, the Forum was filled with over 2000 fans to see the Madison Square Garden show backed by the Exspence Account Showband. Dwight opened the show with short sets in leather and fringe. Doug Church exploded onto the stage and carried the entire audience back to 1972 and Elvis' historic 4 sold-out shows in Madison Square Garden. Listening to the comments from the fans let us know that the show was a total success!

Amazingly, the fans then flocked to the Georgian Hotel for another packed sock hop hosted by Irv Cass.

Sunday morning, we gathered for a wonderful gospel show! The show was free; however, the fans donated over $1000 for charity! Ray Guillemette, Irv Cass, Todd Martin, Jim Westover, Dwight Icenhower, and Doug Church thrilled the huge audience with Elvis' beautiful gospel music. Demi Downing, in a gorgeous white gown, opened the show.

Sunday afternoon were the finals. Five ETA's from each category (three from the Juniors) each did their best to impress the judges. After the Lake George committee presented all 66 ETA's with classic mementoes of the show, Ronny Craig announced the winners:

Youth Division

1 - Josh Bravener
2 - Jackson Begley
3 - Demi Downing

Non-pro Early Years

1 - Tyler Mardis
2 - Larry Tschekalin
3 - Jed Duvall
4 - (tie) Bruce Herron
Glen Aitchison

Non-pro Late Years

1 - Kevin Hupka
2 - Todd Papes
3 - Steve Mitchell
4 - John Purshock
5 - Jim Holmes

Pro - Early Years

1 - Justin Edwards
2 - Leo Days
3 - Mike Bravener
4 - Todd Martin
5 - James Begley

Pro - Later Years

1 - Robert Washington
2 - Ray Guillemette
3 - Joe Ramsey
4 - Terry Buchwald
5 - Rick Huntress
6 - Donny Romines

Justin Edwards was chosen the overall winner and will represent Lake George in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists Competition in Memphis during Elvis Week.

Doug Church closed the Fest with his "I'll Be With You Always" as we extinguished the candle.

Sunday night, we gathered again at the Adirondack Restaurant and Brewery to say goodbye. I cannot believe that the ETA's had ANOTHER jam session in the lobby of the Wingate Inn that lasted until 3:30 in the morning!

Much credit should go to the committee for the Fest - Mike McCarthy, John Carr, Vinnie Spitzer, Mayor Bob Blaze, Jason Sherry, Marci Hall, Doug Coon, and Terry Collins.

Be sure to check out all the great pictures Marie White took at the Fest.

In 2 weeks, we travel to Rapid City, SD, for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest. In the middle of the famous Black Hills and beneath the shadow of Mount Rushmore, we look forward to a wonderful weekend and a great contest! The Change of Habit Tribute Band will back up all contestants.

In July, we travel to Council Bluffs, Iowa, for the Horseshoe Casino's invitational contest. The casino honors the ETA's by paying each of them a minimum of $400.00 and providing them with lodging and meals. The Whiskey Roadhouse is a fabulous venue and we look forward to working with the Rhinestone Revival for the first time.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in Memphis.

Enjoy your summer...

Nance