Day Trip: Elvis Fantasy Fest This Weekend

Elvis fans, get ready to rock ‘n roll like it’s 1956— Portage is hosting its 24th Annual Elvis Fantasy Fest, where you can spend the weekend singing along, dancing, and reminiscing about music of the ’50s through the ’70s. The town is approximately 2.5 hours from Indianapolis. The event begins on Friday, October 7, and will end Sunday, October 9.

Thirty-nine years after his death, the King still has millions of loyal fans and around 250,000 Elvis impersonators, according to oddee.com. The world-famous music legend has sold over a billion records and is worth more than $300 million.

Throughout most of his career, Presley gave his time, talent, and money to support several charitable causes. The Elvis Fantasy Fest honors his legacy of philanthropy by raising funds for Porter County Special Olympics. Silver seating, aka general admission tickets, range from $35 to $85. Or sit at tables during the event with the purchase of Gold seating, with prices ranging from $55 to $125.

Each day of the Elvis Fantasy Fest will host different events. On Friday from 7 to 10 p.m., visitors can meet with special guest Donnie Sumner of the Stamps Quartet and Voice, whom Presley himself hired to sing gospel music with him.

On Saturday, doors open at 10 a.m. Presley fans can witness the preliminary round of the “Elvis Ultimate Tribute Artists Contest,” a contest that determines the best representation of Elvis Presley. The Porter County Special Olympics will announce the winner on Sunday, when there will be an award ceremony.

Later Saturday evening, 2015 Ultimate Champion David Lee, along with other contest champions, will host a concert about Presley’s journey in Indiana.

On the last day of the festival, Sunday, Elvis Fantasy Fest will present southern gospel music with The Spaniels and a performance by Donnie Sumner.

Tickets are available online and during individual rounds of the competition. For more information, visit the event website.