With almost a thousand guests, 200 volunteers and 30 Elvii, Penticton’s annual Elvis Festival is a massive undertaking.
When all was done and the competition wrapped up Sunday, Steve Sogura of Ravensdale, Wa., was the big winner, topping the professional category and winning, along with some cash, the opportunity to represent Penticton at the Ultimate Elvis Festival in Memphis.
“I’ve won a few contests, but I wasn’t expecting to win here because there is so much talent,” said Sogura, who has been an Elvis tribute artist for 25 years.
Related: Sogura has a whole lotta shakin’ going on
It’s not his first trip to the Memphis competition.
“I was there in the early 90s and I competed then,” said Sogura. “I placed, didn’t win, but I had a lot of fun. I’m due to go back.”
Second place in the pro category was taken by Roger Anderson of Bonney Lake, Wa., followed in third place by Tim Hendry of London Ontario.
On the non-professional side of the competition, third place was taken by a Penticton native, Christopher Blaine, with Rob Schwertley of Edmonds, Wa. in second.
But top honours for non-professionals went to one of the youngest entrants, 15-year-old Riley Jenkins of Clarksdale, Tenn., who was also the People’s Choice winner. He said people were telling him he would win, but he didn’t pay attention to that.
“You never really know in contests,” said Jenkins. “To me, that is the best part about it, you never know. That keeps the nerves up and the excitement. Not only that, but it keeps you giving your best performance.”
Steve Kidd Senior reporter, Penticton Western News Email me or message me on Facebook Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
