Augusta, Maine, Will Attempt to Set Record for Most Elvis Impersonators in One Place

You know who I feel bad for? The guy who has to stand there at the end of the night, repeatedly saying “Elvis has left the building.”

Because this August, the Augusta Civic Center will celebrate its 50^th anniversary by attempting to break the world record for most Elvis impersonators in one place. The goal: 1,200 Elvises (or, about 2,400 blue suede shoes).

All are welcome at the event, but organizers have just two rules: everyone in attendance must be dressed as Elvis Presley (no Costellos!), and be willing to take part in a group sing-along of “Hound Dog.”

The event will also feature a red carpet and a digital photo booth. But why the Augusta Civic Center?

Back in 1977, Elvis gave one of his final performances ever at the venue just months before he passed. According to setlist.fm, The King performed 22 songs including “Jailhouse Rock,” “It’s Now or Never,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Heartbreak Hotel”, and “Hound Dog”, before closing on “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

The show on May 24 of ‘77 marked the final time Elvis Presley ever performed in New England. Prior to Augusta, Presley performed at the Providence Civic Center (now the Amica Mutual Pavilion, after a stint as Dunkin’ Donuts Center).

Despite his prolific popularity in the '50s and '60s, Presley didn’t make it to New England until 1971, when he performed at the Boston Garden (which, if you believe local legend, means the elusive Boston Garden Monkey enjoyed the show from the rafters).

The only two New England states in which he did not perform? New Hampshire and Vermont.