PORTAGE | They may have added a few friends to the lineup, but rest assured, the King has not left the building.

Singers highlighting the styling of Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson, Elton John, Tom Jones and others joined numerous Elvis impersonators on stage for a special opening night concert, Elvis FANtasy Festival organizer Kay Lipps said, adding to the three-day event's draw.

"We don't want to branch out, away from Elvis. We're trying to attract more people," Lipps said.

Woodland Park's Oakwood Grand Ballroom was full of Elvis fans Saturday afternoon for the 16th annual event, as impersonators took the stage, each showcasing their unique spin on the musician's repertoire.

The festival, which draws about 2,000 visitors during its three days, benefits the Special Olympics in Porter County, raising about $180,000 for the program since its first festival. Lipps said the group also donates money to Elvis-related charities, namely the Memphis, Tenn.,-based Elvis Presley Trauma Center and The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, which is currently building a homeless shelter near Graceland. Lipps said having a presence in Memphis helps with the festival's name recognition.

With attendance up from last year and with more than 80 percent of those in attendance coming from outside the local area, some as far as Australia, the festival helps the local economy by filling hotel rooms and restaurant booths, Lipps said.

"You have to be a big Elvis fan to come out for the whole weekend," she said.

Aside from being the benefactors of the festival, local Special Olympians also serve during the festival as judges of an annual car show, judging about 90 entries Saturday afternoon.