The word spread fast that Brad Boice, an Elvis impersonator, along with his band, is coming to Cresco. Boice will hold a concert and dance from 8 p.m. to midnight in the Expo Center Feb. 16. The doors will open at 7 p.m.
    Administrative assistant for Howard County Economic Development Spiff Slifka said the community’s interest in and excitement for the event is just what she hoped for. She said she’s even had people from Minnesota and Wisconsin, in addition to many in Howard County, already buy tickets for the show.
    “It’s getting to be quite the craze,” said Slifka.
    A special promotion will allow guests to receive half price admission to the concert if they spend $10 at any restaurant located in Howard County between Feb. 8-16. For every $10 purchased at a local restaurant, guests will receive $5 off of the $10 normal ticket price. Receipts must be brought along when purchasing tickets.
    Howard County Economic Development Director Ken Paxton said the goal of the promotion is to generate business for local restaurants.
    Slifka expects the concert and dance to draw people of all ages. The date of the event might also make it a nice late Valentine’s Day activity, she said.
    “It’s a nice way to end the week by coming out to a show,” Slifka said.
    The show will be followed by a performance by Dueling Pianos in May.         Paxton said the two shows this year are introductory events for a series of several entertainment events set to take place in January through April of 2009. Paxton plans to hold two shows in Cresco during each of the four months next year. He said his goal is for people to begin looking at Cresco as a destination for quality entertainment.
    For more information or to buy tickets, contact Howard County Economic Development at 563-547-3434.