Video: Preparations Underway For Elvis Festival

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — Preparations are underway for a festival honoring the first American Idol.

Fairpark has been fenced off for the 18th annual Elvis Festival. Concerts take place Friday and Saturday night on the main stage at Fairpark.

Friday night, the final American Idol, Amory native Trent Harmon is the headliner.

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competitions take place across the street at the Bancorpsouth Arena.

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the events.

“These are visitors coming into Tupelo and they’re doing exactly what we want them to do, they’re coming to stay, coming to play, they ‘re coming to eat and they’re coming to shop so we are looking forward to the activity that is going to be in downtown this weekend,” said Elizabeth Russell, of the Tupelo Downtown Main Street Association.

The Elvis Tribute Artist competition begins Friday morning. For a full lineup of events, go to www.tupeloelvisfestival.com