'Elvis enjoyed the small town atmosphere of Florence back in the day' | Arts & Culture

From a press release

Elvis Presley, the name says it all.

“All fans here in Oregon would be remiss if we did not acknowledge this 75th anniversary of Elvis’s birth this year and, sadly, his passing on Aug. 16, 1977,” said Dave Masko, coordinator for the special Elvis tribute at the Florence Events Center on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010.

Elvis Aaron Presley was born on Jan. 8, 1935 and was the most popular American singers of the 20th century.  A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name ELVIS.  He is often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply “the King.”
“Another reason why I and other fans want to produce this special Elvis tribute event here in Florence is Elvis often visited Oregon and even said he liked ‘Florence very much,’ “explained Masko of the last time the King visited Florence after a Nov. 26, 1976, Portland concert.
 
“There are a lot of stories we’ve heard about Elvis’s last Oregon concert tour that took place just a year before his death.  One story has him walking the Florence beaches after his Portland concert to ‘clear his head,’ after a long tour,” Masko explained.
In addition, Elvis’s close friend Red West said in a TV interview at the time “how Elvis enjoyed the small town atmosphere of Florence back in the day.”

It’s also interesting to note that this Aug. 14th Elvis tribute will celebrate his 75th birth year not far from the beaches where the King once walked.  And, the event occurs just two days before the 33rd anniversary of his passing.

“It will be bitter-sweet for all fans who attend because on one hand we celebrate his birth, but on the other we still morn his passing.  Some even believe that Elvis still lives,” Masko said.

Promoters of the Elvis tribute said it include rare concerts and videos, as well as “the King’s music” played all day during the event that is set between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Aug. 14.

“Since he burst upon the ‘50’s scene singing ‘Heartbreak Hotel,” Elvis has also been the undisputed ‘King of Rock ‘n Roll.’  Thus, we expect a big turn-out of fans who not only want to pay tribute during this 75th anniversary year, but to have fun with other like-minded folk from Oregon and all parts of the country who just can’t get enough of this wonderful man who means so much to so many,” said Masko.
The Aug. 14 Elvis tribute at the Florence Events will include free music and video programs, as well as a free appraisal by local businessman Darrel Dixon who sells a great variety of Elvis collectables. 

“We hope this will be the beginning of an annual Elvis tribute here in the Florence area.  We know there are many fans here who appreciate the King’s legacy,” said Dixon.

Fans can also purchase some nice original Elvis records, photos, decanters, tee shirts, posters and a host of other collectables.  Photos of the King will be available for purchase, and a door prize will be offered. 

Promoters also note that this is “a family event” and the general public is invited.

“Elvis loved kids, and we hope everyone comes out to dance, sing and celebrate,” said the tribute’s promoters.
 
For more information, call the Florence Events Center at (541) 997-1994, or e-mail the Elvis tribute coordinator at dpmasko@msn.com. 

The Florence Events Center is located at 715 Quince Street, Florence, Oregon.