By LANCE STOCKHAUS

lstockhaus@dailynews.net

RUSSELL -- Usually, the weekend after Thanksgiving means a mad rush at department stores, recovering from a turkey overdose and, of course, the arrival of Santa Clause.

But in Russell, it was Elvis Presley who took over the season. Saturday afternoon, several members of the community gathered at the Dream Theatre downtown to enjoy the vocal stylings of Elvis impersonator Frank Werth.

The event was sponsored by KRSL Radio in Russell. Werth, founder of Franks Attribute To Elvis -- F.A.T.E. -- is living his dream of honoring the king.

He sang the classics such as "In the Ghetto," and "Walk a Mile in My Shoes," but in the spirit of the holidays, he also performed "Blue Christmas" and his own version of "Silver Bells," which included Russell in the lyrics.

Werth said he's proud of his jumpsuit, saying it was made by the same designer that made the outfit personally for Presley. But it was the way he moved and sang like Presley that really won over the crowd.

"I really love coming over here and entertaining the people," Werth said.