By Adam Hammer, staff writer

Nine-year-old Dominick Fadden sang his favorite Elvis Presley song, &8220;Hound Dog,&8221; for hundreds at Northbridge Mall on Wednesday. It was the first time he stood before a crowd wearing Elvis garb, and he left the stage wanting more.

His continued desire may have come from the cheering crowd, the praise he received from his parents or more likely, the $150 he won for best impersonation.

&8220;I don’t know what I’ll do with the money for sure,&8221; Fadden said. Top items on his list were a book about Elvis and other memorabilia of The King. He considered getting a blue Elvis costume.

Fadden performed during the amateur Elvis impersonator contest in the 15-and-under category Wednesday. He was one of five contestants in his age group.

&8220;I got a little nervous at first until I got up there,&8221; Fadden said. &8220;Then I started to feel more comfortable.&8221;

Fadden donned a white jumpsuit with gold sequins and a glittering red, white and blue eagle on its front. His cape was red and white with a glittering American flag. He topped off his look with rings, a big shining necklace and paid close attention to making sure his hair was right.

He performed two songs for the contest. He was first introduced to The King’s music when he was 4 through the soundtrack to the Disney film &8220;Lilo and Stitch.&8221; Fadden’s favorite thing about Elvis is the music, he said.

Fadden’s grandmother, Shirley Hansen, is a longtime fan of Elvis and owns most of his records. She said she enjoyed seeing her grandson on stage performing and could see a little bit of Elvis in him.

Fadden said he hopes to one day be a musician.

The crowd that filled in around the stage Wednesday evening was a juxtaposition of Elvis fans who saw him perform live and young children who barely know Elvis by more than just a name.

Jeanette Hathaway was one person attending who saw Elvis Presley live in October of 1976. She said she has been a fan of Elvis and his music since the beginning of his musical career. She and some of her friends from the Twin Cities area reserved two tables in front of the stage for the

evening of Elvis reminiscence.

&8220;It has been fun to just come and watch,&8221; she said. Hathaway is originally from Albert Lea and returned with friends including Midwest country music singer Sharon Lee, who got on stage to sing a few songs, however, not for the impersonation contest.

Others who did get up to perform on the stage decorated with Elvis cardboard cutouts, silver stars and zebra-striped PA speakers, included the winner in the 16-and-over category Jason Howland, morning anchor for KAAL-TV news. Howland also received $150 as contest winner in his division.

There were five contestants in Howland’s age group of competitors.

The evening’s main event was Elvis impersonator Todd Anderson. Anderson started his career as an Elvis tribute artist by accident &045; according to his Web site www.toddelvis.com &045; when he volunteered to play the part for a community variety show. He was booked for several private performances after the performance. He went on to win the Lac Courte Oreilles Casino Elvis contest in 2002 and has been performing professionally since then as a solo performer and with backup band, the DC Drifters.

Anderson’s performance was followed by karaoke and a sock hop-style dance.

The evening of Elvis was part of the Albert Lea sesquicentennial celebration.