by Chris MacDonald
Writer/Photographer, HB Ambassador/The Local News Columnist

Yes, it's true. Hundreds of Surf City Nighters spotted a guy who dressed and looked like "The King" himself. Nobody could believe it. And when he opened his mouth, there was the Southern accent. Girls swooned, men broke out in a big grin. Everybody wanted their photo with him. Even little kids knew they were in the presence of someone "big." The popular, "Ain't Nothin' Like Hound Dog" singing sensation was gracing our Main Street, like a down-to-earth superstar. He stopped and kissed babies (small and big), shook hands with hound dogs, signed autographs and made everyone feel richer just by being near a legend. (Even though it wasn't "the real Elvis," the actor looked and acted so much like him that he generated much interest in the upcoming 13th Annual Elvis Festival at The Orange County Marketplace in Costa Mesa on Sunday, August 26th, 2012 from 9am to 4pm. People who got their picture taken with Elvis (at various locations such as The UPS Store, a flower vendor, Mangiamo Gelato Caffe and Rockin Fig Surfboards), received a flyer that said to e-mail the photo to Festival promoters and receive 2 free tickets to the event and VIP parking as well as a chance to win valuable prizes from Downtown Huntington Beach Merchants. Elvis is making several other appearances, including at Shops at Mission Viejo, Brea Downtown, Costa Mesa, and Santa Ana. For exact locations and times, go to http://www.ocmarketplace.com .

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1. Steve Grabowski, Tom, Elvis and Marcus at The UPS Store in Downtown Huntington Beach.