BY LOREEN BERLIN: Garden Grove's little Main Street has always been quaint, but it hasn't, historically, been a destination point.
That seems to be changing this summer. If you've been down there at night, you can't help but notice crowds milling about.
There's not some new, raging bar or irresistable new restaurant to draw crowds.
It's about special events, and a dash of Elvis.
BY LOREEN BERLIN: Garden Grove's little Main Street has always been quaint, but it hasn't, historically, been a destination point.
That seems to be changing this summer. If you've been down there at night, you can't help but notice crowds milling about.
There's not some new, raging bar or irresistable new restaurant to draw crowds.
It's about special events, and a dash of Elvis.
Azteca Restaurant and the Garden Grove Downtown Business Association have organized a myriad of events leading up to the "Day of Tribute to Elvis."
Throughout the month of July, there were Karaoke Festival singing competitions on Main Street that were presented by the Garden Grove Downtown Business Association and the Karaoke Scene Magazine and held in conjunction with the Local Harvest Farmers Market.
Now, August competitions begin with Karaoke-style Elvis singing competitions on Fridays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., in conjunction with the Friday night car shows.
But back to The King.
The "Lives On" 17th annual Elvis Festival will be held on Main Street.
There will be a full-day tribute to the singer of some famous songs as "Blue Suede Shoes" and "You Ain't Nothing but a Hound Dog" on Sunday, Aug. 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Three Karaoke finalists will be chosen each Friday evening through August, who will then compete during the Elvis Festival. It's "Crème de la King," said Azteca Owner Jennifer Stewart. "The contestants are singing right here on Main Street in an event that's open to the public and free, along with free parking."
Stewart said there's live Karaoke talent on Main Street to rival TV's "America's Got Talent."
"You wouldn't believe the level of talent we're seeing in these contests," she said.
Karaoke singers may bring their own CD to perform to and a panel of judges will do the honors of selecting winners.
