Eddie Bush Memorial Arena

"Great ice, love the old school rinks. Changerooms are incredibly cozy. Wish they could do something about that. One shower head in a room."

Dan P

"This old small town arena has a rich history. The Collingwood Community Arena officially opened on July 15, 1949. The arena was re-named the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena in the 1980s after Eddie Bush who played hockey in the N.H.L. . I know it's seen it's share of great local hockey and figure skating"

Terry PG

"Well for those of you who have never been to an Elvis Festival....or for those of you wondering what it is like to go to the largest Elvis Festival in the world...here is my adventure. Heading from Toronto, Canada to Collingwood is about a 2 hour trip on the weekend. There are a lot of people heading up north. Thank you to Google for having amazing software to help me navigate the best route with Google maps. I would also like to thank the Town of Collingwood specifically Adam Ferguson for allowing me access to see the events. If you plan on going to any event always look at the event website, just like I did. I found the areas where there is parking and a map of where all the events will take place. When I arrived there is a sea of Elvis fans everywhere. People have there chairs lined up many hours before the festival even began to get the best seats in the house. The outdoor events are mostly free of charge along with tons of vendors booths mostly located on the main street of Hurontario. Walking in the festival any time of the day or night you are bound to walk into an ETA. What is an ETA ? It is an Elvis Tribute Artist who plays homage to the King of Rock n Roll ...Elvis Presley. They are most gracious to say hello, give you a handshake and allow a photo opportunity. I must say that the vendors, ETA's, Elvis fans are very respectful and friendly people. I did even pass by the only female ETA, but I sure there are probably more of them. You can probably find ETA's and fans all around the world. I did meet some ETA's from Canada, USA, UK and Israel. The main contest consists of Friday the preliminary round, Saturday the second round and finally Sunday when they crown the grand champion. The judges must rate the performers not only on there singing ability, outfits, look a like and performance skill to the king...but also to host of very technical aspects. If you sing a Vegas style song like Viva Las Vegas you outfit must match the song, in this case a full white jumpsuit with all the embroidery trimmings. Wearing the wrong outfit for your song choice is a NO NO !! ETA's must not only prepare with there songs and movements but all the accessories that go along with it. Jumpsuits can range from a couple of hundred dollars to $10,000 or more. Wigs, rings and chains can also add up. In competition you are not allowed to wear trademark Elvis sunglasses for example. The calibre of the tributes were in most cases spectacular. You really felt that the king was there right in front of you singing on stage and the king somehow multiplied himself in every corner of the festival. The retail stores and restaurants were packed with anxious patrons. This was the last and final Elvis festival that ran for 25 years by the Town. Next year they will have a private run Elvis festival in Collingwood because the ETA's and fans always want more. So for now my Elvis adventure has ended but what a exciting adventure it was....Elvis has left the building for now.. until next year."

Edward Fine