Elvis lives in Los Fresnos

Fifty years ago, Simon Vega was beginning his tour of duty with the U.S. Army when he met another man, just nine months his junior.

To Vega, the man with slicked back hair and well-versed southern charm was a good solider and a good friend. To the rest of the world, he was known as the "King of Rock ‘n' Roll."

"We were 21 and overseas," Vega said, "serving our country."

Thus begins the story of Simon Vega and Elvis Presley's unlikely friendship, and the idea behind Los Fresnos' Little Graceland - the shrine Vega has built to "the King" in his own home.

Now, for the 15th year, Vega will mark the anniversary of Presley's death at Little Graceland, where he'll be joined by Elvis impersonators from throughout South Texas.

This year, the event will be enhanced by two murals painted by L. "Wichi" Guevera. One depicts Elvis' famous pink Cadillac and the other shows Lisa Marie, the singer's private jet.

"We coordinated to do something special," Guevera said. "People know we have a little jewel here."

He completed the murals in two months, calling the opportunity to paint for Vega "an honor."

"Making murals to me is bringing people together," Guevera said.

In January, the City of Los Fresnos incorporated Vega's winter Elvis Festival into a larger citywide music festival. Vega missed the quaint, backyard-feel of previous events - an atmosphere he hopes to recreate this year.

Elvis Festival 2008 will run from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Impersonators will begin performing at 2:30 p.m. This year, a Freddie Fender impersonator will be added to the mix. A special ceremony with the city's mayor and Ms. Los Fresnos will be held at 3:30 p.m.