Elvis impersonator Danny Vernon played to a huge and appreciate crowd Friday night at the Island County Fair, before one of the biggest audiences so far at this year's event.

It was an encore performance for Vernon, who brought his "The Illusion of Elvis" show to the big event in Langley last year.

Vernon — who was named "Best Young Elvis" by a group of Elvis Presley's bandmates and professional associates in a competition in 2003 — sang a varied set of the King of Rock-n-Roll's hits from the 1950s through the 1970s, including some of Elvis' biggest hits, such as "Jailhouse Rock" and "Can't Help Falling in Love." During many of the songs, the crowd sang along with Vernon or punctuated the evening concert with shouts of approval.

There were a few surprises, as well, including a segue during one song into the Beatle's "Get Back," and a well-received version of Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Several times during the show, he stepped off the stage and into the crowd, and many rose to hug him as Vernon made his way around the front of the stage.

"Whidbey Island sure likes to hug," he quipped.

The concert included a costume change midway, when Vernon left the stage to slip into a blue jumpsuit. He closed the show with a medley of Elvis' spiritual songs. "Elvis" then left the stage, and signed autographs and chatted with fairgoers on the midway.

It was obvious to many Vernon enjoyed the venue and the crowd.

"It was far out, Daddyo, and you know it," he said afterward.

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