Canada's longest-running tribute to Elvis Presley returned to B.C. on June 28, as thousands of avid fans of the American music icon converged to watch artists take the stage and pay homage to the late legend.
Among the tribute performers at this weekend's Penticton Elvis Festival is Quebec's Mat Shank, the now 21-year-old who won the competition in 2023 en route to a spot in the "Ultimate Elvis Finals" in Memphis, Tenn.
"The people and the fans here are amazing," Shank told Black Press inside Gyro Park on Saturday. "The team that works for the festival is amazing, it's like a big family, so coming back to Penticton is always an honour."
Shank is one of 15 professional Elvis tribute artists from across the globe competing at this year's competition.
There is also a non-professional category and three additional performers under the age of 15 鈥� including a five-year-old artist 鈥� who make up the "Little Kings" division.
For Shank, the road to Penticton started at a karaoke bar in his hometown of Gatineau, Que. in 2022.
Already an avid fan of Presley's work after visiting the legend's Graceland mansion in Memphis, Shank dazzled local bar-goers with his voice and Elvis-esque dance moves. The bar owner immediately invited Shank to perform his own Presley-based set, paving the way for the 21-year-old to launch his career at festivals and events across the globe.
Shank said he's privileged to again share his love of Presley's music with thousands of event-goers this weekend in Penticton.
"There's this overwhelming feeling of love and happiness," he said. "We all share the same passion and we're all here for one reason and that's Elvis Presley."
This year's Penticton Elvis Festival, the 23rd annual edition of the event, was also marked by special guest appearances from husband and wife duo Charles and Linda Stone. The couple made the trip from Dallas, Tex. for the festival.
Charles, the tour producer for Presley in the 1970s, got an up-close look at Elvis' daily life through his work. He also developed a close relationship with the Memphis icon's manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
"I get to share my stories, and I just feel honoured to be here," Charles told Black Press. "It's my third time (in Penticton) and the people are so nice. I love Canada."
Charles is also the current manager of Moses Snow, the 2024 Penticton Elvis Festival winner and headline artist for this year's event.
The producer was joined by his wife, as the pair interacted with fans and signed autographs at Gyro Park.
Martine Parent, festival administrator, said around 3,000 people attended the event on Saturday.
An additional 1,600 fans will pack the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre (PTCC) for the competition's finals on Sunday, she added.
Among them, she noted, are new and young Elvis fans.
"People who love Elvis bring their children and grandchildren, and we have a younger crowd coming in every year," Parent said. "We're building that up for our 25th anniversary in 2027."
Parent also hailed the festival's longtime fans, who have helped bring vibrancy to the event.
"We got some true fans that have seen multiple Elvis concerts, have met him, and they share their stories here," Parent began. "It's really fantastic."
The festival wraps up at the PTCC on June 29, starting at 2 p.m. An after-party will also commence when the competition's winner is revealed.
After packing Gyro Park this year, Parent said the festivities will most likely return to Okanagan Lake Park in 2026.
