Volo Auto Museum to mark Elvis Presley's 84th birthday with tribute show, exhibit

Although “sightings” and conspiracy theories have been around ever since the king of rock ’n’ roll died in 1977, one thing’s for certain: Elvis Presley fans live on. And this week, they’re invited to celebrate his birthday at the Volo Auto Museum.

Museum officials will mark Elvis’ 84th birthday Saturday with two shows by Elvis impersonator Travis Morris against a backdrop of Elvis’ personal, custom-modified pink and white Cadillac station wagon – a rare find and among the museum’s most treasured pieces.

Shows will be at noon and 3 p.m. at the museum, 27582 Volo Village Road.

“Elvis was born on Jan. 8, but of course we want to host our celebration when more folks can come and enjoy it,” museum Director Brian Grams said. “We’ve ordered custom-made cupcakes from Kiera Confections this year – peanut butter chocolate banana. We’re sure Elvis would approve.”

Cupcakes will be available as long as supplies last.

Presley was born in 1935 in East Tupelo, Mississippi. He had an identical twin brother, Jesse Garon, who was stillborn and buried the next day. Presley later attended Humes High School (now a middle school) in Memphis, Tennessee, where he failed a music class, according to history.com.

He went on to achieve tremendous fame as a recording and live artist as well as in films. More than 600,000 fans still visit Elvis’ former Memphis residence, Graceland, annually.

Morris is a world champion Elvis tribute artist with more than 20 years of experience. This will be his third annual birthday celebration show at the museum.

“The crowds love his performances,” Grams said. “We’re especially excited for this year because we’ve reconfigured an all-new Elvis Caddy exhibit in Showroom 3, and Travis will be performing right there with the car Elvis himself picked out, signed for and used.”

There will be no extra fee to attend. Regular museum admission applies.

The Volo Auto Museum features about 400 classic, muscle and Hollywood cars, among others. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults, $9 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger.

For information, call 815-385-3644, visit volocars.com or find Volo Auto Museum on Facebook.