For one weekend each the year , Elvis Presleyis alive and well in Parkes , Australia . The bantam town hosts theParkes Elvis Festivalduring the 2nd weekend of every January to scar the music legend ’s birthday on January 8 . In 2019 , the result attracted a record 27,000 client to the showground — more than doubly Parkes ’s usual universe of 11,400,Smithsonianreports .
Elvis fans Bob and Anne Steel hold the first - ever festival in 1993 at their eating place , Gracelands . On top of being an exculpation to hurl a birthday party for their favorite celebrity , they set up the fete to draw tourists to Parkes during the region ’s brutally red-hot off - season . ( During a record rut wave in January2017 , Parkes experienced a in high spirits temperature of 114.6 ° farad . )
While the first festival lasted one dark and had an attending of just a few hundred people , it has since grown into a five - day affair with an outside report . visitant number from around the existence to celebrate the music , mode , and dance movement of The King . It ’s a tumid enough event that fete - goers have the option to trip to Parkes from Sydney via particular caravan dubbed the Blue Suede Express and the Elvis Express . On board , they ’re treated to the company of Elvisimpersonatorsand performance by Elvis tribute artists for the six - hour journey .
Guests who made it to this year ’s Elvis Festival from January 9 to 13 took part in ukulele lesson , Elvis - theme lotto , " Elvis the Pelvis " dancing sessions , and a Q&A with Elvis impersonators . This yr ’s Northparkes Mines Street Parade , one of the fete ’s main effect , included more than180 floats , vintage vehicle , bands , and walk processions pay homage to the icon .
Competitionsare usually a big part of the festival , with bothElvis Presleyand Miss Priscilla look - alikes facing off on stage . This year , the " Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist ' crown locomote to 22 - twelvemonth - old Brody Finlay , the young success in the outcome ’s history .
Each year , the Elvis Presley festival returns to Parkes with a novel stem , generate Elvis fans an incentive to keep derive back . This class , the theme " All Shook Up " celebrated the fifties era . In 2020 , festival organizers are machinate to celebrate the 1966Elvis comedyFrankie and Johnny .
Ca n’t make it to Australia ? Grab a snack of Elvis at one ofthese American eateriesinspired by The King .
[ h / tSmithsonian ]
