The rock’n’roll hall of famer just kept popping up in the most unexpected of places.
Yep; while Elvis looked a bit out of place among the local artifacts chronicling the history of this Citrus County community inside Crystal River’s Coastal Heritage Museum, he’d put on his usual charm for Jimmy and me and all the other visitors in for the Manatee Festival.
Apparently we share a love of travel, too, because Jimmy and I ran into Elvis again, months later, when we stopped in Inverness with friends Joan and Jerry during a day of sightseeing.
Elvis looked as surprised to see me as I him. He was certainly all over the map, at least when it came to central Florida, although I guess you could say the same for Jimmy and me.
Those scenes from the movie (most of the movie extras were locals lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time) as well as old photographs were instrumental in the restoration of this now National Landmark, circa 1992. Originally built in 1912 to replace a former wooden structure, the building became an eclectic mix of Neo-Classical, Italian Renaissance, Prairie School and Mission styles as the years and remodels chipped away at the integrity of the original structure.
Justifiably, the residents of Inverness, especially the movie extras now baby boomers, have a lot to share when it comes to Elvis in these parts; that usually means a festival. I love festivals!
I’m almost sorry we missed Inverness’ third Annual Elvis Festival the last weekend in April, 2013; we did have the King all to ourselves though when we went through in September. Maybe next year we can catch the Elvis look-alike contest (human and pet), listen to Elvis impersonators singing the blues, gospel and rock'n'roll, take the Elvis Bus Tour and compete in the Stumpknocker’s Elvis Blue Suede Shoes 5k Run/Walk. There's something for everyone, according to their website.
We left the charming, Old Florida town of Inverness, impressed with their hospitality and historical ingenuity. Our exit certainly required our favorite Elvis impersonation.
"Thank you. Thank you, very much.”