Local organizers of the Days of Elvis festival have the support and guidance of Collingwood Elvis festival committee.

"The staff is here looking to bring some support and encouragement for the Days of Elvis first annual event in Niagara Falls," said the general manager of the Collingwood Elvis Festival, Rosemarie O'Brien. "We like to support other Elvis events, because we feel there is an audience base for everybody."

Stephanie DiPietro, the marketing and sponsorship co-ordinator from Celebrate Old Downtown, acknowledges what this means for the festival's success.

"It's amazing. It's a festival helping another festival, which of course they don't have to do," she said. "They volunteered their time and services to come and help us, they have tons of expertise because the Collingwood festival is the number one festival and them helping us out is enormous."

The two committees have been working hard to ensure the event's success.

"The more festivals that are well attended, well organized and professionally run, the better off the Elvis event looks, no matter where they are held," said O'Brien.

DiPietro said the committee wants the festival to be around for more than one year.

"We want this event to stay here, it has never been done here. So we just want to be successful and have people to come, to see the revitalization that's happening," she said.

O'Brien agrees that this should be an annual event.

"We just want to make this an every-year event," she said adding that a festival is hard the first year. "Any new business or event, if in your first year you make any money it's a banner year. Most events hope to have a break-even budget." The event is hoping to allow a younger generation enjoy what Elvis brought to the table many years ago.

"It allows people who never had a chance to see Elvis perform, an opportunity to hear his music and see how he performed," said Pat Curtis, the event's organizer and co-ordinator.

Celebrate Old Downtown will bring the King to downtown Queen Street.

Curtis, or Little Elvis as most people refer to him, started dreaming of becoming an Elvis tribute artist when he was six years old. Now for 35 years he has been doing just that.

"It's been a lifetime dream of mine and I've lived it," said Curtis.

Curtis has won three titles at festivals in Orillia, Kingston and Mississauga during his tribute-to-Elvis career and now he wants to bring his passion to one of the world's most famous cities.

"Niagara Falls is the eighth wonder of the world. What a perfect place to have the tribute to Elvis," said Curtis.

Curtis said he feels the event can be a great thing for downtown Niagara Falls and the revitalization project, because the impact will affect the entire region.

"The impact of an event like this is huge," said Curtis. "It impacts everybody and it'll bring out the whole community."

Curtis said he feels there will be 5,000 or more people filling the area around Queen Street that weekend. The event will cost $20 per day, or $40 for a full weekend pass. For more information on the event and how to purchase tickets, visit www.daysofelvis.com.