Honestly, my whole life I just wanted to do something that would promote or share or educate about Elvis. Wendy King.
Today Wendy King picked up her much deserved award for her 25 years of service to the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Wendy was “over the moon” when she learned in December 2019 that she was a recipient of the prestigious award given to only ten individuals for their “unyielding loyalty, enrichment and dedication”. Winter weather, and then CoVid restrictions, prevented Wendy from collecting her award earlier; but today Wendy received her award from Rosemarie Garrity O’Brien. On her Facebook page, Wendy wrote of the experience and shared some memories:
I took a solitary drive up to Collingwood today on the day we should have all been there for the Elvis Festival if things were as we wish they were. I went up to receive a beautiful award from Rosemary and the town for working with the festival over 25 years. I had no idea how emotional it would be. Everywhere I looked a memory. From the first Tim Horton's I hit which was always where I got a couple dozen King Cookies for the gang. Past the Curling Club which years ago was where the vendors were set up. Mostly I remember it being crowded and hot. Always promoted as air conditioned but all I remember was a giant fan. Past the Gayety Theatre where we enjoyed so many great performances. Also hot. Main street where we couldn't walk 2 feet without meeting a friend and having a chat, a hug or a kiss. We were all celebrities in Collingwood. Memories of bad motels and really nice ones. The times we got to meet and greet so many of Elvis family and friends and co-workers who to me were the true stars of the show.
Emotional and amazing wins by so many guys who became great friends Marcus Wells, James Gibb, Tim 'E' Hendry, David Lee and 2 time Collingwood champion Gordon Hendricks to name just a few. Their well deserved wins almost make up for the "deaf, dumb and blind" slings hurled every year at the judging panel. I was always so proud to serve in that way--I felt it was my calling. I was supposed to go get the award around Christmas but then winter happened and then Covid, so today was the day and as luck would have it the first day we could go inside a restaurant for lunch and that's what ,Rosemarie Garrity O'Brien and I did. Timing was actually meant to be. I thought of all the intensity of the competitions and of how I took every win and loss to heart. To receive this beautiful award now puts a perfect bow on 25 years.
All done for the love of one man who means everything to me--Elvis. The plaque reads "For your unyielding loyalty,enrichment and dedication to our Festival, our community and our lives. You will forever be a part of its memorable history and success. Presented to Wendy King." So honoured. Thank you.
Tributes to Wendy
Just a few of the many congratulatory messages Wendy received.
James Gibb I’m so happy this happened for you Wendy!..Nobody tries to do what’s best for Elvis than you..It’s about time you were awarded for what you do for him!
Marianne Rose Congratulations once again my dear friend. You certainly deserved it for all you did to promote and support the Collingwood Elvis Festival!! No one could be a better ambassador for the celebration of Elvis!! Your knowledge of all things Elvis is incredible! Your value as a knowledgeable judge is priceless!!
I hope you have been able to relax this evening as I am sure it was an emotional day! Well done Wendy!!
Vicki Howe Congratulations! Most deserving!!! Whenever I hear Elvis, I think of YOU!!!
Irv Cass BEAUTIFUL, well DESERVED,,,,, ENJOY, be SAFE, be WELL.
Rosemary Cancilla Congratulations Wendy what a beautiful honour
Mark Campbell I think it’s awesome when someone is so passionate about someone who meant the world to them. Congrats , well deserved.
Marcus Wells Oh Wendy King. You so richly deserve this... I'm super nostalgic right now. Kisses and hugs to you. I'll forever be grateful for Collingwood giving you to me.
Kelee Goodfellow-Sanford Congratulations on your award Wendy!! It's so nice that you were able to go down memory lane and have a nice visit and lunch with Rosemarie!!
Cherie Card Dalske Beautifully expressed. I’m so grateful that my family had the honor to come and experience your country and festival and even more so that we were there for the last year. Thank you and everyone for all you did and making us feel at home and like family ❤️ Congratulations!
Meredith MacKinlay I was pretty late to the party on the whole Elvis world (WTF, am I dating an Elvis impersonator, I yelled to my sister before my third date with Mike), but I am missing it all so much.
