Elvis was alive.

And so was the crowd at the Catfish Landing Restaurant in Chelsea last week.

Around 100 people gathered at the newly–opened restaurant for the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce sixth–annual “Rock & Roll Ultimate Elvis Silent Auction and Gala.”

Entertainer Mark Elmore, drew a lot of applause, laughter, foot–patting, and of course sighs from some of the ladies, as he sang a wide range of old Elvis songs.

Marlene and Randy Garmon and staff at the “Landing” provided excellent service with a marvelous array of hors d’oeuvres.

Tables held around one hundred auction items, which attendees browsed before and after the entertainment.

Items included things from paintings and other artistic objects by Chamber members, gift certificates and baskets from several businesses and organizations, to a digital picture frame and a photo printer. Autographed footballs by Jay Barker and Nick Saban were also among the offerings, as were Regions Charity Classic tickets.

And one of my bids won me a set of horseshoes donated by Lisco Sales. While my children were growing up, we had a set of horseshoes, which they and their father, along with many friends and family members picnicking and swimming at our house, enjoyed. After my daughter went away to college, she missed playing and wrote home asking that a set be sent to her.

I think shipping four horseshoes and two iron stakes to Florida cost about as much as it cost to buy them. When I saw the ones at the auction, I knew they were sure to be a better bargain. And they brought back many happy memories.

It will be nice to hear the ring of horseshoes hitting the iron in our front yard again this summer, just as it was to hear “Elvis” sing “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” again.

Stacy Walkup is executive director of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce. Jeanne Smith was chairperson of the auction committee. Linda Cook was co-chair.

Proceeds from the auction benefit the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce academic scholarship fund. Last year’s recipient was Aubri Smith, a student at the University of Montevallo. Students wishing to apply for the scholarship, should visit their school counselor for an application.