Fans let their hair down for Elvis Haircut Day

FORT SMITH — Elvis lives — at least in the minds and hearts of the 1,000 or so people who trickled in and out of Elvis Haircut Day at Chaffee Crossing on Saturday (March 24).

Activities began at 10 a.m. with a demonstration of five Irish dances from members of the McCafferty School of Irish Dance which has its studio located at Chaffee Crossing.

The remainder of the day was dedicated to Elvis and 1950s-era activities.

A hula hoop contest followed with Ashleigh Mathews, 11, taking first place and winning a Sun Records mouse pad, Elvis lunch box, wallet, bobble-head doll and more prizes.

Some people in the crowd came dressed in 1950s style clothing just for the fun of it, while others were there to compete. Rachel Settle and Lizzie Boone tied for the win in the poodle skirt contest. Each took away a Graceland DVD and a commemorative T-shirt.

"Back two or three years ago, we were begging people to donate prizes but this year we have an abundance of them," said Ivy Owen, executive director of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority and an emcee for the day. The event, now in its fourth year, continues to grow. The 1,000 in attendance doubled last year’s 400 at Elvis Haircut Day.

William Cofman was hands-down the most authentic-looking Elvis look-alike in the crowd. With a little prodding from emcees from Owen and Tommy Street of the Fort Smith Radio Group, Cofman struck poses and emulated some of Elvis’ signature moves on stage.

Guests wandered through the exhibits of military displays and significant Fort Chaffee happenings at the barbershop museum while waited for the haircuts to start at 1:15 p.m.

Jimmy Don Peterson, a barber and retired Fort Smith school teacher, prepped his clippers and supplies as 21 people lined up ready for a free haircut in the barbershop where Elvis sat for James B. Peterson, Jimmy's father, for the same experience in 1958. Pictures of the elder Peterson performing that famous haircut adorn the walls of the barbershop and seem to give a nod of approval to the present day happenings. Brooke Lloyd of Salon Elements volunteered and was also cutting hair.

Outside, people on stage gave it their best shot during an Elvis karaoke contest. Some did the king justice; others, not so much, but all had a good time regardless of ability. The real pros were Elvis impersonators Brent Giddens and Jerry Page who performed for the crowd before the daily activities wrapped up at 3 p.m.

For a $2 donation, Elvis fans could finish out activities with a double feature of Jailhouse Rock and Love Me Tender at the Enchanted Wedding Chapel.